Grand Cayman thrush

The Grand Cayman thrush is an extinct bird from the thrush family (Turdidae). It was endemic to the island of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean.

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Distribution

Region

Caribbean

Typical Environment

Historically confined to Grand Cayman, it occupied dry limestone coppice, coastal thickets, and the edges of mangrove swamps. It foraged on or near the ground in leaf litter and low shrub layers, moving into fruiting trees when available. Nesting likely occurred in low trees or dense shrubs typical of island thrushes. The species was restricted to low elevations and small patches of intact native vegetation.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 20 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size22–24 cm

Wing Span34–38 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.065 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Grand Cayman thrush was a pale, island-dwelling thrush restricted to Grand Cayman in the Caribbean and is now extinct. It likely depended on dry evergreen scrub (coppice) and mangrove margins, habitats that were heavily altered by clearing and severe hurricanes. Only a small number of museum specimens exist today. Its disappearance highlights the vulnerability of single-island endemics to rapid habitat change.

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between perches

Social Behavior

Typically encountered singly or in pairs, likely forming monogamous pairs during the breeding season. It probably built a cup-shaped nest in low trees or dense shrubs, similar to other Turdus thrushes. Territorial behavior around nesting sites was likely, with more tolerance outside the breeding period.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Presumed to have a mellow, fluting thrush-like song with clear, repeated phrases. Calls likely included soft tack notes and thin whistles given from cover.

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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

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