Turdinae

Turdinae is a taxonomic subfamily within the family Muscicapidae. It encompasses many of the birds commonly known as thrushes. The exact circumscription of Turdinae has varied over time with ongoing phylogenetic studies, and some species formerly placed within it may now be classified in other subfamilies or families. Generally, members of Turdinae are characterized by their medium size, robust build, strong legs and bills suited for foraging on the ground, and often melodious songs. They are found worldwide, inhabiting a wide range of habitats including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. Dietary habits are typically omnivorous, with insects, fruits, and seeds forming the bulk of their diet. Notable genera often included within Turdinae are Turdus (true thrushes), Catharus (American thrushes), and Oenanthe (wheatears, though sometimes placed in Saxicolinae). The classification of individual species within Turdinae can be complex and subject to revision based on molecular and morphological data.