Fiji island thrush

Fiji island thrush is a species of passerine in the thrush family Turdidae that is endemic to Fiji. It was formerly considered a subspecies of island thrush, but in 2024 the island thrush was split into 17 separate species by the IOC and Clements Checklist based on morphological and phylogenetics differences.

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Distribution

Region

Fiji Islands

Typical Environment

Found in moist upland and cloud forests on larger Fijian islands, especially in mossy, mature forest with dense understory. It frequents forest edges and interior, often along ridges and near streams. The species may use selectively logged or secondary growth when cover remains intact, but favors undisturbed montane habitat. It is primarily terrestrial while foraging but uses mid-storey perches for singing and vigilance.

Altitude Range

400–1300 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size21–24 cm

Wing Span34–40 cm

Male Weight0.09 kg

Female Weight0.085 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Fiji island thrush is a recently recognized species split from the widespread island thrush complex in 2024 based on morphology and genetics. It inhabits Fiji’s upland forests and is typically shy, foraging quietly on the forest floor. Like many Turdus thrushes, it plays an important role in seed dispersal and insect control.

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low through understory

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes with dependent juveniles. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees; typical clutches are small. Pairs defend territories in the breeding season and may join loose mixed-species flocks when not breeding.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A mellow, fluty series of whistles and short phrases, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft tuks and thin seep notes when alarmed or in contact.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Fiji parrotfinch

The Fiji parrotfinch is a species of estrildid finch endemic to Fiji that was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the red-headed parrotfinch. This parrotfinch is a small, mainly green bird with a red head and tail and a stubby dark grey bill. It is found in both forested and open habitats, and has adapted well to man-made environments such as grasslands, pasture and gardens. Pairs have a courtship display in which they fly above the trees in an undulating flight, calling constantly. Breeding birds build a domed grass nest with a side entrance, and lay a clutch normally of four white eggs. Newly hatched chicks are naked and pink, with blue balls at the upper and lower corners of the gape, and black markings inside the mouth; older fledglings resemble the adults, but lack the red head colouring. The Fiji parrotfinch eats seeds, especially of grasses, and also readily feeds on insects and nectar. It forms small flocks of up to six birds after the breeding season.

Fiji woodswallow

The Fiji woodswallow is a species of woodswallow in the family Artamidae. It is endemic to most of the islands of Fiji, although it is absent from Kadavu Archipelago and the Lau Archipelago. The species was once considered a race of the white-breasted woodswallow, which breeds from Australia, New Caledonia and Vanuatu through to Borneo and the Philippines. Some authors retain it in that species.