A winter visitor mainly and passing migrant for Cyprus and the Akamas peninsula. It breeds in rather small numbers, mainly in higher elevations in forested areas of Cyprus.

It’s seen mostly as individually. In winter it’s much more common and widespread at lower elevations, open areas with bushes and trees etc. Despite being common in winter, in Cyprus it’s not often seen out in the open or on exposed places to be visible, it remains well hidden and avoids humans. When in flight it’s easier to be seen but it flies fast and quickly disappears in dense cover.

It belongs in the Thrush family, frequently moves on the ground, like a rodent, mixing the leaves and the soil looking for earth worms. It feeds also on various insects and fruits. It flies when it feels danger, giving a characteristic “tsak tsak tsak” alarm call when going away. It’s the biggest thrush species that visits Cyprus. The male is all black, with a bright yellow bill and eye ring. The female is dark brown-greyish with somewhat paler, striped chest. It belongs in the gamebirds of Cyprus.