The size and shape of a common blackbird, this subspecies of thrush is found only on Christmas Island.

It is a dark-grey bird with a pale-grey breast and orange belly, eye ring and legs.

Christmas Island thrushes are ground feeders, eating mainly seeds, insects, earthworms and millipedes.

They nest in low shrubs and building ledges during the wet season, laying two or three eggs at a time. Chicks leave the nest 10 days after hatching but are still fed by the parents for a while afterwards.

While population numbers on Christmas Island are relatively healthy, the thrush’s limited area of distribution means it is listed as endangered.

Christmas Island thrush nesting. Photo: Wondrous World Images

Where to see them

These thrushes are widespread throughout Christmas Island’s forests and settled areas.

They are territorial and often very curious, so you might find yourself being followed while out on a walk