Vanikoro island thrush, also known as the Vanuatu island thrush, is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is found in Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and formerly New Caledonia. Until 2024, it was considered to be multiple subspecies of island thrush.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs on forested islands of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands (including Vanikoro), with historical occurrence in New Caledonia where it is now likely extirpated. It inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforest, especially dense, moist montane and cloud forest. On smaller islands it can be found from lowland forests up into mossy highlands, using edges and clearings cautiously. It forages mainly in the shaded understory and on the forest floor, occasionally venturing into plantations or gardens near intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Part of the famously variable Island Thrush complex, this bird shows striking geographic plumage variation across islands. It favors dense forest understory and is often heard before it is seen, delivering mellow thrush-like phrases at dawn and dusk. Many island populations remain local or patchy, and some have been lost where predators and habitat disturbance increased. Former New Caledonian populations are believed extirpated.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. Builds a neat cup nest in a shrub or small tree, using moss, rootlets, and leaves. Clutch size is small, and both adults participate in care. Outside breeding, it may join loose mixed-species foraging flocks at times but remains inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluty series of musical phrases delivered from concealed perches, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft chuck and tseep notes given while foraging. The song carries well through dense forest despite modest volume.
Plumage
Variable; typically sooty-brown to blackish above with paler, rufous or buff underparts and a slightly paler or streaked throat. Plumage can differ markedly between islands but remains plain and thrush-like with smooth feathering. Often shows a contrasting pale throat crescent and a bright bill and legs.
Diet
Takes a mix of invertebrates and fruit, including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, snails, and fallen or low-hanging berries. Probes leaf litter, turns leaves, and gleans from low foliage. Will occasionally take small vertebrates or grubs exposed after rain. Seasonal fruit availability influences its movements within territories.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly on the shaded forest floor and lower understory, especially along trails, stream margins, and treefall gaps. Also visits edges of secondary growth and gardens adjacent to intact forest, retreating quickly to cover when disturbed.
