Thrushes (Turdidae)

Indian Blackbird (Turdus simillimus) - HBW 10, p. 646

French: Merle des Nilgiri German: Indienamsel Spanish: Mirlo Indio
Other common names: Nilgiri Blackbird (nominate)

Taxonomy: Turdus simillimus Jerdon, 1839, Avalanche, higher southern Nilgiri Plateau, India.
Usually treated as race of T. merula, but differs markedly in plumage, proportions, wing formula, vocalizations and egg colour; arguably, is closer to T. poliocephalus. Race kinnisii may better be treated as a separate species. Race nigropileus sometimes referred to as mahrattensis, but former has priority. Birds from E India described as race spencei, but indistinguishable from nigropileus. Four subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution: