Buff-rumped Thornbill

Overview

The buff-rumped thornbill (Acanthiza reguloides) is a small passerine bird species belonging to the genus Acanthiza, most of which are endemic to Australia. This adaptable species is primarily found in eastern Australia and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 8–10 cm in length with a thin, pointed bill.
• Features plain greenish brown upperparts and very pale-yellow underparts, distinguished by a distinctive buff-coloured rump.
• Tail displays a broad, blackish band with a paler tip.
• Adults possess white irises, whereas juveniles have dark eyes.

Habitat

Primarily distributed in eastern Australia, the species' range spans from Chinchilla, Queensland, west to Cobar, New South Wales, across Victoria and southeastern South Australia. It thrives in dry sclerophyll forests and open eucalypt woodlands that have an open or sparse understorey.

Diet

The diet consists primarily of small insects and plant lice gleaned from foliage, with occasional consumption of seeds.

Did you know?

Cuckoo nestlings mimic the vocalisations of Acanthiza reguloides before evicting them from the nest.