The St. Lucia thrasher, locally known as the gorge blanc, is a species of mimid in the genus Ramphocinclus. It is endemic to the island nation of St. Lucia in the Caribbean. It was formerly considered to be a conspecific with the Martinique thrasher under the name white-breasted thrasher.
Region
Lesser Antilles
Typical Environment
Endemic to Saint Lucia, where it occupies dry coastal scrub, semi-deciduous forest, and dense secondary thickets. It favors areas with a tangled understory and deep leaf litter for ground foraging. Edges of mangroves, coastal gullies, and limestone scrub are frequently used. It often nests in thorny shrubs or low dense vegetation, where cover is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Locally called the gorge blanc (“white throat”), this island mimid forages by flipping leaf litter with its slightly downcurved bill. It is a cooperative breeder, with helpers assisting a dominant pair at the nest. The species is highly range-restricted and threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators such as rats and mongooses.
Temperament
skulking and territorial, often bold near nests
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low swift dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small family groups; cooperative breeding with helpers is common. Nests are placed low in dense or thorny shrubs, and pairs may attempt multiple broods in a season. High nest predation leads to frequent re-nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear whistles and varied notes interspersed with harsh scolds. Alarm calls are sharp, buzzy churrs given from dense cover.
