The Bougainville island thrush is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the island thrush, but was split by the IOC and Clements checklist in 2024.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Bougainville Island, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforest, especially in hill and montane zones. It frequents shaded forest floor, edges, and mossy undergrowth, sometimes visiting clearings or fruiting trees. The species is typically associated with intact forest but may use semi-disturbed habitats near forest margins. It is seldom seen in open lowlands away from substantial tree cover.
Altitude Range
400–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This recently recognized species is part of the highly variable Island Thrush complex and is confined to Bougainville in the northern Solomon archipelago. It favors forested highlands and is often shy, keeping to dense understory and shadowed trails. As with many insular thrushes, it likely faces pressure from habitat change and introduced predators, though its status remains poorly studied.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense forest, low direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes with dependent young. Likely monogamous, building a cup-shaped nest in shrubs or low trees. Territorial during breeding, with pairs defending small areas of suitable forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluted series of whistles and clear phrases delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include soft tchuk notes and thin seep contact calls in undergrowth.
Plumage
Uniformly dark, sooty-brown to blackish upperparts with slightly paler brown underparts and subtle mottling on the throat and breast. Plumage is sleek and thrush-like, with a smooth, unspotted belly and darker wings and tail.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of ground-dwelling invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and worms, supplemented by fruits and berries. Will glean from leaf litter, toss leaves, and probe soft soil. Occasionally takes small snails and other arthropods, and visits fruiting shrubs or trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the forest floor and at low levels in dense understory. Also feeds along shaded trails, at forest edges, and around fruiting plants within intact woodland.
