The Martinique thrasher is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. Semper and Sclater (1872) describe the white-breasted thrasher as an "inquisitive and noisy bird" that would often "keep up a constant warning chatter, and throw itself about in all sorts of contortions" when being disturbed. It is endemic to Martinique. This resident species is easy to find within its range; however, it is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species mainly due to its restricted habitat.
Region
Lesser Antilles, Caribbean
Typical Environment
Endemic to Martinique, it occupies dry coastal and subcoastal forests, scrub, and thickets with dense understory and abundant leaf litter. The species is especially associated with the Caravelle Peninsula in the island’s northeast and nearby arid lowlands. It prefers areas with tangled vegetation, spiny shrubs, and low canopies where it can skulk and nest close to the ground. Human disturbance and habitat fragmentation restrict it to relatively intact patches. Predation by introduced mammals further limits its effective range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This inquisitive mimid often keeps to dense dry forest and thorny scrub, where it forages noisily in the leaf litter. On Martinique it is largely confined to protected areas such as the Caravelle Peninsula, making it vulnerable to habitat loss and introduced predators. It shows cooperative breeding in some groups, with helpers assisting at the nest. Conservation actions focus on habitat protection and predator control.
Temperament
inquisitive but skulking; can be noisy when alarmed
Flight Pattern
short, low flights with rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories year-round. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs; clutches are small and vulnerable to predation. Cooperative breeding with helpers occurs in some groups, and pairs keep close contact through calls and tail displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of sharp chatters, scolds, and squeaky whistles delivered from low perches or within cover. Alarm calls are rapid, harsh rattles that intensify when disturbed.
