Turdus samoensis
The Samoan Island Thrush, historically referred to as *Turdus samoensis*, is currently recognized as the subspecies *Turdus poliocephalus samoensis* within the highly diverse Island Thrush complex. This striking medium-sized thrush, measuring approximately 20-25 cm in length and weighing 50-80g, is a resident endemic to Samoa's montane forests. Its plumage is typically a dark sooty-brown to blackish, providing a sharp contrast to its most distinctive field marks: a bright yellowish-orange bil...
Found primarily in dense montane rainforests and cloud forests, typically at higher elevations (above 400-500 meters) on the larger Samoan islands.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates including worms, beetles, and other insects, supplemented with small fruits and berries.
The Samoan Island Thrush is a generally shy and secretive bird, primarily active during daylight hours, foraging mainly on the forest floor, though it will also glean insects and fruits from the understory and canopy. It employs a typical thrush foraging technique, hopping and pausing to scan, th...
The Samoan Island Thrush is strictly endemic to the islands of Savai'i and Upolu in the nation of Samoa, within Polynesia. Its distribution is highly restricted to montane rainforests, cloud forests, and native scrub at higher elevations, generally above 400-500 meters. There is no known migratio...
Vulnerable
- The Samoan Island Thrush is part of the incredibly diverse Island Thrush (*Turdus poliocephalus*) species complex, which boasts over 50 subspecies across the Pacific. - Due to its widespread distribution across many Pacific islands, the Island Thrush is often affectionately referred to as the '...