Field Guide

Brown Thornbill

Acanthiza pusilla

Aves › Passeriformes › Acanthizidae › Acanthiza

Conservation status: least_concern

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla)
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist

The brown thornbill is a passerine bird usually found in eastern and south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It can grow up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long, and feeds on insects. It is brown, grey and white. The species has five subspecies.

How To Identify

It measures relatively small and exhibits generally subdued brownish plumage with visible streaking on the chest. Its sturdy build allows it to navigate dense thorn bushes efficiently.

Habitat

It inhabits eucalyptus woodlands, open forests, and scrublands across southeastern Australia, preferring areas with dense understory vegetation.

Behaviour

The Brown Thornbill is highly social and often forages in small flocks, moving restlessly through foliage while gleaning insects from bark and leaves.

Native Range

The brown thornbill is usually found in eastern and south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania.

Did You Know?

Despite being one of Australia's smallest songbirds, the Brown Thornbill is remarkably bold and curious, often approaching humans and investigating new objects in its territory. It has a distinctive habit of flicking its tail upward while foraging.

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