Nightingale Island finch

Overview

Wikipedia

The Nightingale Island finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.

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Distribution

Region

South Atlantic Ocean (Tristan da Cunha archipelago)

Typical Environment

Occurs only on Nightingale Island, using dense coastal and inland tussock grass, fern-beds, and Phylica arborea scrub. It frequents sheltered slopes and flat areas with thick ground cover where seeds and invertebrates are abundant. Nests are typically placed low in vegetation or within tussock clumps, offering protection from wind. Outside the breeding season it may range more widely across the island’s vegetated zones. The species avoids sheer cliff faces and heavily exposed, sparsely vegetated rock.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 400 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size15–18 cm

Wing Span23–28 cm

Male Weight0.03 kg

Female Weight0.03 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small tanager-like finch is restricted to Nightingale Island in the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, deep in the South Atlantic. It shows notable variation in bill size, adapted to different seed types found in the island’s vegetation. The species forages mostly on or near the ground in dense tussock and scrub. Its limited range makes it sensitive to invasive predators and habitat disturbance.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

wary but inquisitive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights over vegetation

Social Behavior

Breeds in pairs, defending small territories in dense vegetation. Outside the breeding season, birds may form small foraging groups, especially in areas with abundant seeds. Nests are shallow cups hidden in tussock or scrub, and both parents contribute to provisioning. Likely monogamous within a season.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft series of thin, tinkling notes and simple trills delivered from low perches or within cover. Calls include short metallic chips used to maintain contact in dense vegetation.

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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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