Zoothera margaretae
The Makira Thrush, *Zoothera margaretae*, is a captivating and highly localized passerine endemic to the montane forests of Makira (San Cristobal) Island in the Solomon Islands. This medium-sized thrush, measuring approximately 21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 inches) in length, presents a subtly striking appearance. Its upperparts are a dark olive-brown, often with a warm rufous wash, while its underparts are paler, transitioning to whitish on the belly, and distinctly adorned with heavy dark scaling or sp...
Found exclusively in primary montane and cloud forests, typically at elevations between 600 and 1200 meters. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and a rich forest floor litter.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as earthworms, beetles, grubs, and snails, which it finds by foraging in leaf litter. It may occasionally consume small fruits.
The Makira Thrush is an exceedingly shy and secretive bird, spending most of its time on or near the forest floor, where it forages by sifting through leaf litter and damp soil. Its activity patterns are often crepuscular, with peak foraging and vocalizations occurring during dawn and dusk. While...
The Makira Thrush is strictly endemic to Makira (formerly San Cristobal) Island, which is part of the Solomon Islands archipelago in Melanesia. Its distribution is confined to the higher elevation regions of the island, primarily within primary montane and cloud forests. Records indicate its pres...
Vulnerable
- The Makira Thrush is a true island endemic, found nowhere else in the world except Makira (San Cristobal) Island in the Solomon Islands. - Its intricate, dark-scaled underparts give it the common name 'scaly thrush', a characteristic shared with several other *Zoothera* species. - Despite its r...