Ring Ouzel

Turdus torquatus

(T. t. amicorum)

Armenian Name:	Սպիտակախածի կեռնեխ

See Plate 46 for Ring Ouzel and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	23-24 cm, Wing Span:38-42 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 254.
Description:	Dark thrush with bold whitish breast band, white edges to wing feathers, and pale yellowish bill.
Adult (Breeding):	Male is brown-black with clear white breast band. Female has finely-scalloped breast band and pale grayish edges to body feathers.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Numerous pale edges to underparts and dark-barred breast band.
Juvenile:	Similar to female but browner with extensive pale spotting and barring.
Similar Species:	Differs from Eurasian Blackbird by white breast band and edges to wing feathers.
Behavior:	Often perches on top of shrubs or rocks. Rather shy and difficult to approach. Gregarious in fall.
Habitat:	Scattered shrubs and trees in mountain steppe and subalpine meadows.
Nest:	Cup of dry grass on ground, in shrub or small tree.
Eggs:	30 mm, 4, greenish-blue, red-brown blotches.