Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
One of the most common members of the thrush family (Turdidae). It occurs in east African highlands from Eritrea and Ethiopia in north to the Cape of Good Hope in south.
The female builds a cup nest, typically 2 to 9 m above the ground in a tree or hedge. The 1–3 (usually 2) eggs are incubated solely by the female for 14–15 days to hatching, and the chicks fledge in another 16 days.
The Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithi) is said to be a sub-specie of this bird and I have posted on it before (to see post CLICK HERE), and now that is enough of the scientific stuff…
This bird has the most beautiful singing voice and I’m going to try and add a YouTube recording… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTYjKzykq6g sorry you’ll have to click on the link, but please do, it is beautiful…
And you must remember my singing Ground scraper Thrush, that pair of singers.?? (to see post CLICK HERE)
Now for my photos of the Olive Thrush…..
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
Would love to hear the sound this one makes.
He has a great little song for one to wake to
I have a recording of the Cape Olive Thrush in my garden in Cape Town, South Africa. How can I send it to you? (new to this sort of thing)
Good question.. I have no idea, I think you would have to download it first to a soundcloud and then you could probably just send it as an attachment to a comment…
I love his sound. Can listen to it for hours 🙂
Me too… he is at his best early morning, seems to go on for hours…
Yes I did enjoy its sweet song. Thanks for the link. Great photos as per usual, bulldog. 🙂
Thanks AD… another that you have probably come across in Natal…
Just amazing bulldog. You’ve captured this beautiful little bird so well. Thanks for sharing. 😀
Thanks Sonel… glad you enjoyed…
Glad you enjoyed Sonel…
Distinctive song. Common or not, I can’t recall having seen or heard one. The beak is a feature I’m sure I would have remembered.
They are common in your area and I’ve seen them there, but more on the open spaces as to that near the sea…
BeUtiFUL love it, Thanks as always.;o)
Thanks Kymee…
Ci offri sempre foto molto molto belle, accompagnate da tante spiegazioni. Grazie!!!
Ciao Pat
It is my pleasure Patrizia… my pleasure..
He’s paler than our robins and the beak is more orange. Song is similar but more melodious than our robin’s. I’ve never seen this bird and probably never will, so it’s nice that I’ve seen him on your blog.
Thank you Anneli… he does have such a charming little tune, specially if one awakes to him… they are pretty common as are most of the Thrush, haven’t heard of one on the endangered list…
Lovely shots and song! Thank you, Bulldog!!
Thanks Skye…
I am learning so much about birding from you. Thanks Bulldog. 🙂
It is a pleasure for me to share, but I get so much pleasure and relaxation out of the hobby I can’t recommend it enough.. the stalk and elation when one gets the good shot is addictive… I love it… keeps my blood pressure in check…
This is unlike the Thrush species seen in the UK, strong singing voice.
Thanks Alex… I would love to see some of the family from the UK…
I have heard lots of song bird before but this is the first time I’ve seen one sing…and this one was definitely not lip singing!
That is for sure Mrs.P. thanks for the comment…
So cute! 😉
Thanks …
Small bird with a big voice – good to see and hear.
Thanks Brian…
The plumage and the beak have that beautiful orange. VERY NICE! What number is this?
Thanks Jasmine.. not even sure yet have not updated to my list for a while, but I do still have a long way to go…
Keep us posted there are some of us living vicariously through you!! LOL
What a darling bird, and now i am going to try and play the utube, usually there is not enough strength in the signal out here for such endeavours but i will give it a crack. c
Thanks Cecilia… it has a beautiful tune to wake to in the morning…
Superb pictures and the sound of its song was lovely.
Thanks Chris, nothing nicer than hearing that song early morning…
I’m not in a place where I can listen to anything right now, so that will have to be later, but I must say, I love the colours of that bird, really pretty!
Thanks Vanessa… it has a lovely tripling song…
I think if you’d stuck around much longer he may have had words with you going by that last photo. Great shots as always.
Thanks .. he was about to chat with me, and I had to leave for an appointment… damn…
what a beautiful bird, so lovely too. And you captured his amazing poses… Thank you dear Rob, love, nia
Thanks Nia… a common bird…
It is a common bird but for me 🙂 The richness should be this dear Rob, You are welcome, love, nia
Lovely shots, Bulldog.
Thank you…