The Tasman Sea island thrush is an extinct forest bird in the thrush family that was formerly found on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the "island thrush" complex that has been split into 17 species based on a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2023. The two subspecies of the Tasman Sea island thrush became extinct in historical times.
Region
Tasman Sea
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to subtropical evergreen and palm-dominated forests on Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. It frequented dense understorey, fern gullies, and forest edges, often along stream courses and sheltered slopes. The species foraged primarily on the forest floor but also moved through lower and mid canopy for fruiting trees. As an island endemic, its range was extremely limited and highly sensitive to habitat disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 875 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tasman Sea island thrush was an extinct forest-dwelling thrush once confined to Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. It belonged to the former island thrush complex that was split into multiple species based on molecular evidence in 2023. Both of its subspecies disappeared in historical times, largely due to introduced predators and habitat loss. Accounts describe it as notably tame, often foraging on the ground in leaf litter.
Extinct subspecies from Lord Howe Island
Temperament
tame yet shy when disturbed
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Territorial during breeding, with cup nests placed in shrubs or small trees. Clutches were small, and both parents likely contributed to feeding and defense of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious thrush-like song composed of fluted whistles and mellow phrases delivered from low perches. Calls included soft chucks and thin tseep notes, especially when alarmed.
Plumage
Generally uniform dark brown to sooty with subtle vinous-brown tones; underparts slightly paler with a faintly mottled throat on some individuals. Norfolk birds were reportedly a bit paler than Lord Howe birds. Feathers appeared matte with minimal patterning, emphasizing a thrush-like, evenly toned look.
Diet
An omnivorous forager taking beetles, caterpillars, worms, and small snails from the leaf litter. It also consumed a variety of native fruits and berries, especially when in season. Opportunistic feeding on fallen fruit and invertebrates was typical, with probing and tossing of leaf litter to expose prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly on the forest floor within dense understorey and along shaded trails or stream margins. Also visits lower branches of fruiting trees and forest edges where invertebrates are abundant.
