The Tristan thrush, also known as the starchy, is a species of bird in the thrush family that is endemic to the British overseas territories of the isolated Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across suitable habitats on the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, including coastal tussock grass, fern-bush, and Phylica woodland. It frequents shorelines, boulder fields, and seabird colonies where invertebrates and carrion are abundant. The species forages on open ground and among kelp wrack, and also uses rocky crevices. It is absent from heavily built-up settlement areas but common in natural habitats across the smaller, predator-free islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the starchy, this bold, inquisitive thrush is endemic to the Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic. It often forages around seabird colonies and shorelines, scavenging among kelp wrack and even taking eggs or carrion. The species is the sole member of the genus Nesocichla. Its tameness around people on the islands is well known.
Scavenging on dead bird on Nightingale Island
Temperament
bold and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs, defending small territories, especially in the breeding season. Nests are placed in crevices, rock ledges, dense vegetation, or among tussock bases. Pairs are monogamous and both sexes help raise the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, thrush-like warble with clear whistles and short phrases delivered from low perches. Calls include sharp chacks and soft contact notes while foraging.
Plumage
Uniform dark brown to sooty-brown with slightly paler underparts and faint mottling on the throat; feathers can show warm rufous fringes in fresh plumage.
Diet
Takes a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, flies, amphipods, and worms. Also scavenges carrion from seal and seabird remains and opportunistically consumes eggs or small chicks of seabirds. Supplements diet with fruits and berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along rocky shores, among kelp wrack lines, in coastal tussock, and open ground near seabird colonies. Will search crevices and overturn debris for hidden prey.
