The Gough finch or Gough bunting, is a critically endangered species of songbird.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean (Tristan da Cunha archipelago)
Typical Environment
The species is confined to Gough Island, occupying dense tussock grass, fern-bush, and patches of Phylica woodland. It ranges from coastal slopes and boulder beaches to interior valleys and high plateaus. Birds commonly forage along stream edges and among seabird colonies where invertebrates are abundant. Nests are placed low in thick vegetation to shelter from wind and rain. Habitat is cool, wet, and oceanic year-round, with frequent mist and strong winds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Gough finch, also called the Gough bunting, is the only member of its genus and is confined to remote Gough Island in the South Atlantic. It is classified as Critically Endangered, with invasive house mice preying on eggs and chicks a major threat. It favors dense island vegetation and often forages near seabird colonies for invertebrates and scraps. Conservation on Gough focuses on eradicating invasive mammals and protecting breeding habitat.
The immature was described as Nesospiza jessiae
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, strongly territorial during the breeding season. Pairs build cup nests hidden in dense tussock or fern-bush. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in provisioning. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form in productive foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, metallic series of tinkling notes and short trills delivered from low perches. Calls include sharp chip and tseep notes, often given while foraging in dense cover.
Plumage
Robust, mostly brown bird with darker streaking and a somewhat shaggy, weathered look in the dense island vegetation. Underparts are buffy to grey-brown with faint streaks; upperparts are darker with rufous edges on the wings. The bill is heavy, deep-based, and pale horn-colored, giving a bunting-like appearance.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that takes seeds, berries, and a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. It frequently forages on the ground and in low vegetation, probing leaf litter and tussock bases. Near seabird colonies it scavenges organic material and captures invertebrates attracted to carrion and guano. Seasonal and weather-driven food availability influences foraging intensity and choice.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense tussock grass, fern-bush, and along stream margins, where cover and invertebrate prey are plentiful. It also works edges of seabird colonies and coastal slopes, using rocks and vegetation for cover. Foraging is mostly at low heights or on the ground.
