Austral Thrush

Overview

The austral thrush (Turdus falcklandii) is a bird in the family Turdidae found in southern South America and the Falkland Islands. It is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large mainland range and stable population.

Identification

• 23 to 26.5 cm long, weighing 95 to 113 g, with similar plumage in both sexes.
• Nominate subspecies features a blackish-brown head with an orange-yellow eye-ring, warm brownish-olive upperparts, and ochre underparts; the magellanicus subspecies has a blacker head and colder olive-brown upperparts.
• Possesses a dark iris and an orange-yellow bill, legs, and feet.
• Juveniles display heavy buff streaks on the upperparts and buff-yellow underparts with dark brown spots.
• Only males sing, producing phrases of whistled and screeching syllables and imitating at least 12 other species.

Habitat

The nominate subspecies inhabits the Falkland Islands, primarily in areas with tussock grass inland from rocky beaches, as well as human settlements and rock outcrops. Subspecies T. f. magellanicus occurs on the mainland and adjoining islands from central Chile south to the southern tip, extending into Argentina and the Juan Fernández Islands. It inhabits dense Nothofagus forest, plantations, brushlands, and human-inhabited areas with trees, reaching elevations of up to 3,800 m.

Diet

The austral thrush feeds on adult and larval insects, other arthropods, invertebrates such as worms and snails, and fruit. It forages mostly on the ground, preferring soft soil, though it takes much fruit in trees and, in the Falklands, also forages in beached seaweed.

Did you know?

In the Falkland Islands, the bird often incorporates wool and string into its nest construction. It is also an accomplished mimic, known to imitate the songs of at least 12 species, including songbirds and raptors.