The austral thrush is a medium-sized thrush from southern South America. There are three subspecies, the Magellan thrush from south Argentina and south and central Chile, the Falkland thrush from the Falkland Islands, and T. f. pembertoni from the Neuquén and Río Negro provinces of Argentina.
Region
Southern South America and Falkland Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs from central and southern Chile across western and southern Argentina to Tierra del Fuego, and on the Falkland Islands. It inhabits forest edges, Nothofagus woodlands, shrublands, and open country with scattered trees. It is common in rural and urban gardens, parks, and farmland, often foraging on lawns. On the Falklands it uses coastal tussac, hedgerows, and settlements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The austral thrush is a medium-sized thrush native to southern South America, including Chile, Argentina, Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes and is frequently seen in gardens and parks. Several subspecies are recognized, notably the Magellan thrush on the mainland and the Falkland thrush on the islands. Its melodious song and bold demeanor make it one of the most familiar birds in many southern Chilean and Patagonian towns.
Temperament
bold and confiding near humans, territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; forms small loose groups outside the breeding season where food is abundant. Nests are neat cup structures placed in trees, shrubs, or human structures, lined with fine materials. Clutches usually contain 2–4 eggs, and both parents provision the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, melodious series of fluting phrases, reminiscent of other Turdus thrushes, delivered from perches in early morning and evening. Calls include sharp tseep notes and harsher chack alarm calls.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to olive-brown with a slightly warmer tone on the back; underparts rich buff to orange with a whitish, finely streaked throat. Feathers are smooth and sleek, with juveniles showing mottling on the breast. Sexes are similar, females slightly duller.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on earthworms, insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, along with fruits and berries. It frequently flips leaf litter and probes soft soil for prey. In urban areas it takes fallen fruit and occasionally scraps. Seasonal availability of berries can make fruit a major diet component in autumn and winter.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground in lawns, forest floors, along paths, and at woodland edges. Also feeds in gardens, orchards, and hedgerows, and on the Falklands in coastal grass and tussac. Often exploits irrigated lawns and damp soil after rain.
