The Solomons island thrush, also known as the Guadalcanal island thrush, is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands. Prior to 2024, it was considered to be two different subspecies of the island thrush.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen hill and montane forests, including mossy cloud forest and mature secondary growth. It favors dense understory and shaded forest floor microhabitats where leaf litter accumulates. The species is primarily noted from higher elevations on large, mountainous islands such as Guadalcanal. It may use forest edges and small clearings but generally avoids heavily disturbed lowlands.
Altitude Range
400–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Part of the formerly broad Island Thrush complex, the Solomons island thrush represents a distinctive lineage confined to the Solomon Islands, and is also referred to as the Guadalcanal island thrush. Recent taxonomic revisions in 2024 recognized it as a separate species after long being treated within Island Thrush subspecies. It is a shy forest bird that forages quietly on the ground and in low vegetation, often remaining overlooked despite being locally present. As with many Pacific island birds, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss and invasive predators.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. During breeding, pairs build a cup-shaped nest of moss, grass, and fibers placed on a ledge, low branch, or dense shrub. Clutches are small, and both parents provision nestlings. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with other forest birds but typically keeps to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluting series of clear whistles delivered from within cover, often at dawn. Calls include thin, high ‘seep’ notes and soft tucks while foraging. Song phrases are spaced and musical rather than continuous.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-brown to blackish above with slightly paler brown underparts; plumage can appear uniform in low light, with subtle contrast on throat and belly. Feathers are smooth and matte rather than glossy, aiding camouflage in dim forest. Some birds show a faint pale eye-ring and a warmer rufous wash on the flanks or undertail.
Diet
Takes a mix of ground-dwelling invertebrates such as insects, beetles, and earthworms, supplemented by snails and other small arthropods. Fruits and berries from native forest plants form an important part of the diet, especially seasonally. It gleans from leaf litter, probes soft soil, and occasionally hawks low for insects. When fruiting trees are available, it will ascend to the midstory to pluck berries.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily on the shaded forest floor, along trails, and at the bases of treefalls and logs. Also forages at forest edges and in mossy clearings within montane forest. It uses dense understory to remain concealed while feeding.
