Blue rock thrush (Lifer #354)

The blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius) is a species of chat. This thrush-like Old World flycatcher was formerly placed in the family Turdidae. It breeds in southern Europe, northwest Africa, and from Central Asia to northern China and Malaysia. The blue rock thrush is the official national bird of Malta and was shown on the Lm 1 coins that were part of the country's former currency.

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.
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The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.  [Source: Wikipedia]

Name: Blue rock thrush
Scientific: Monticola solitarius
Malay: Burung Tarum / Murai Batu Tarung / Murai Tarum / Murai Tarum Biru 
Family: Turdidae
IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2016): Least Concern
Gear: SONY α1 + SEL600F40GM
Location: Ipoh, Perak

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