Buff-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza reguloides
Small bird with thin pointed bill. Upperparts grayish brown towards southern end of range and more olive-brown farther north. Underparts are varying levels of yellow depending on subspecies. Distinctive orange-brown rump in all subspecies, some also with and orange-brown tone in lores. Pale eye. Inhabits open habitats, particularly eucalypt forests and other woodlands, where it feeds in small flocks in bushes and branches of trees.
Taxonomy
Early classifications of the genus Acanthiza based on plumage and morphology recognised one to three genera with a varying number of species in each. However, recent classifications have recognised one genus containing five species groups or four groups excluding the New Guinean murina.<p>The taxonomy of the Acanthiza reguloides has undergone significant change and debate since its early classification. Despite marked differences between A. reguloides and A. squamata, they have been combined as a single species since 1926. Four subspecies of Acanthiza reguloides are recognised. These are:
- Scientific name
- Acanthiza reguloides
- Authority
- Vigors & Horsfield, 1827
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Acanthizidae
- Genus
- Acanthiza
Range and habitat
Primarily distributed in eastern Australia, the buff-rumped thornbill's range spans from Chinchilla, Queensland, west to Cobar, New South Wales, across Victoria and southeastern South Australia. This is an area of approximately 2 000 000 km2. This adaptable species thrives in dry sclerophyll forests and open eucalypt woodlands that have an open or sparse understorey.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Buff-rumped thornbills are often found in small, chatty groups of approximately 20 individuals, but may join during non-breeding season to form larger clans. They continuously twitter as they forage. Their vocalizations are characterized by a rapid pitta-pitta-pitta-pit call. They have a hearing range of 5000 Hz and a hearing threshold of 10 dB. In flight, Acanthiza spp. exhibit a characteristic undulating path. These birds are exceptional acrobats, displaying a remarkable ability to remain head downward. Birds are known to be territorial.
Conservation
Bird populations are known to be secure in all states of Australia in which they are present. However, urban development and habitat modification has caused a decline in numbers in some areas.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-bellied Storm-Petrel
Fregetta grallaria
Small black-and-white storm petrel. Note distinctive sooty black upperparts and white belly and rump. Breeds across the South Pacific, South Atlantic, and South Indian Oceans, migrating north into tropics after breeding. Can be seen pattering its feet on the surface of the water when feeding for small squid and crustaceans on the surface. Distinguished from other storm-petrels by shorter legs that extend to the end of or just beyond the tail in flight, as well as by lacking the smudgy black stripe that cuts down the belly of the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel.
Marsh Owl
Asio capensis
Fairly large, brown owl with tiny ear tufts. Found in marshes, cultivation, and grasslands, especially moist grasslands. Sometimes active well before dusk and well after dawn, especially on cloudy days. Not very vocal, but does give quiet creaking calls. Often found in similar habitats to Barn Owl, but much darker, especially on the back and chest. Generally silent in flight, whereas Barn Owl frequently gives loud screeches.
Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch
Fringilla polatzeki
Endemic to the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. Medium-sized finch with a strong and heavy bill, broken white eyering, and bold white wing-bars. Male is a striking dark blue-gray while female is brown-gray. Largely restricted to montane pine forests. Song is a repetitive, accelerating series; call is a quiet, rising “weep.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.