Turdus falcklandii falcklandii
Local Name: Thrush
Breeding Range: Falkland Islands
Length: 25cm.
Falklands Population: ~20,000 breeding pairs
World Population: as above (subspecies restricted to Falklands)
Falkland Thrush
Widespread and common throughout the Falklands, it is able to utilise a wide range of habitats, from rocky coasts to settlements. Its large cup-shaped nest is woven from grass, root fibres and mud by the female, with 2 to 3 eggs being laid from August to December. The eggs hatch after 2 weeks, with chicks fledging just two and a half weeks later, allowing three or occasionally four broods in a season. A wide variety of food is taken, from live prey such as worms, grubs, beetles and moths, to berries and seeds. The Falkland Thrush is very tame, and has also learnt to scavenge in settlements, readily accepting food hand-outs placed in the garden. Its friendly manner and its ability to adapt to a wide-range of habitats and food types has enabled the Falkland Thrush to thrive alongside man. Sexes are similar in appearance.
