Scientific name: Psophocichla litsitsirupa
The groundscraper thrush is 22–24 centimetres long with an erect posture, short tail, heavy bill and fairly long legs. The upperparts are plain grey-brown with a chestnut wing-panel. The underparts are white with black spots and the face is white with bold black markings. The underwing has a black and white pattern which is visible during the undulating flight.
There are four subspecies: P. l. litsitsirupa is the most southerly form, occurring from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique south to northern and eastern parts of South Africa. These birds are fairly common South African residents but is absent from the south of South Africa, KZN coastal belt and dry western parts.
The species is found in savannas, grassland and open woodland. It can be tame and will forage in parks, gardens and around picnic sites. They run well on the ground, flicking one wing at a time every now and then.
