The New Caledonian island thrush is a species of passerine bird in the thrush family Turdidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia, it was thought extinct until it was discovered on the islands of Néba and Yandé in 1978. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the island thrush until 2024 when the island thrush was split into 17 species by the IOC and Clements checklist.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Melanesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in New Caledonia, with confirmed records from the Belep Islands and possibly other nearby islets with suitable cover. It favors primary and mature secondary forest, dense thickets, and forest edges with substantial understory. Birds typically remain within shaded interior habitats, moving to edges and small clearings to forage. Human disturbance and habitat alteration likely constrain its already small distribution.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive thrush is confined to New Caledonia and was long feared extinct until being rediscovered on the small islands of Néba and Yandé in 1978. It was formerly treated within the wide-ranging Island Thrush complex but was elevated to full species status in recent taxonomic splits. It keeps to dense forest and scrub, where it forages quietly on or near the ground. Its secretive habits and tiny range make it difficult to monitor.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches, usually low to mid-canopy
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense cover. Breeding behavior is poorly known, but, like other thrushes, it likely builds a cup nest in shrubs or low trees. Pairs are discreet around nesting sites and may use concealed song posts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, mellow series of fluted phrases given from within cover, interspersed with pauses. Calls include sharp tiks and thin seeps when alarmed.
