Tasmanian Thornbill

Overview

The Tasmanian Thornbill (Acanthiza ewingii) is a small, bushland member of the Acanthizidae family, endemic to Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands. It is a common bird that typically occupies the colder, wetter portions of its range, distinguishing it from the Brown Thornbill which favours drier areas.

Identification

• Olive-brown above, darkening toward the back and tail, with a potential reddish-brown forehead patch.
• Fluffy, white under-tail coverts, creating a distinct 'white underpants' appearance compared to similar species.
• Approximately 10 cm in length with a long, thin, thorn-shaped beak that is dark grey, matching the feet and legs.
• Large, dark eyes with prominent red irises and a warbling call described phonetically as a 'zit zit zit' sound.

Habitat

Endemic to Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands, this species is a common resident of rainforests, wet forests, and scrublands, preferring temperate rainforest and dense scrub around wet gullies. Its range also includes Mediterranean-style shrubby vegetation, bogs, marshes, fens, swamps, peatlands, and shrub-dominated wetlands.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, the Tasmanian Thornbill will also consume seeds and fruits. It is typically arboreal, foraging at all levels of the forest, including on the ground, in leaves, and on the bark of trunks, branches, and twigs.

Did you know?

The species is often distinguished from the similar Brown Thornbill by the adage that it 'wears white underpants', referring to its clear white under-tail coverts.