The Inaccessible Island finch, also known as the Inaccessible bunting, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
South Atlantic (Tristan da Cunha archipelago)
Typical Environment
Restricted to Inaccessible Island, where it occupies coastal slopes, tussock grasslands, fern-bush, and patches of Phylica arborea woodland. It forages from shoreline vegetation up to the inland plateau, using dense cover for nesting and protection. The species uses a mosaic of habitats created by wind exposure and salt spray, shifting among them seasonally as food peaks. It nests low in vegetation and readily exploits seed-rich areas after gales.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 450 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Inaccessible bunting, this finch is endemic to Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha group and belongs to the tanager family (Thraupidae). It famously occurs in two bill-size morphs that partition food resources, an island example of ecological divergence. The island is part of the Gough and Inaccessible Islands World Heritage Site and remains free of invasive mammalian predators. Any introduction of predators would pose a serious threat due to its tiny range.
Temperament
wary but curious; often quietly active in low vegetation
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief low, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, becoming more dispersed during breeding. Monogamous pairs build cup nests low in dense grasses or shrubs. Clutches are small, and both parents contribute to feeding the young. Outside breeding, loose foraging groups form where seeds are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched twittering series of trills and chips, delivered from low perches. Calls include soft tseep notes and sharper ticks when alarmed.
