Spotted Ground Thrush (Geokichla guttata) [XC524836]
by Daniel Danckwerts from Dlinza Forest, Eshowe, South Africa (song)
Spotted Ground Thrush (Geokichla guttata) [XC593977]
by Peter Boesman from UMlalazi Local Municipality (near Eshowe), (South) Uthungulu DC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (song)
Subspecies
Taxonomic history complex, as has frequently been referred to as Turdus fischeri. Birds in north of range of nominate subspecies suggested as belonging to subspecies belcheri, but recent reassessment supports current arrangement.
The following 5 subspecies are recognised:
maxis (Nikolaus, 1982) - Lotti Forest, in southern Sudan.
fischeri (Hellmayr, 1901) - Southern Tanzania (probably also north-eastern Mozambique). Non-breeding north to coastal Kenya.
belcheri (Benson, 1950) - Thyolo and Soche Mts, in southern Malawi.
guttata (Vigors, 1831) - Eastern South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal south to eastern Cape).
Similar Species
Groundscraper Thrush (Psophocichla litsitsirupa) which is larger, more upright, lacks wing-bars, and does not occur in forest.
References
See References.