Redthroat

Overview

The redthroat (Pyrrholaemus brunneus) is a small, shy, mostly ground-dwelling passerine bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is endemic to mainland Australia, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid regions.

Identification

• Small, 11–12 cm, greyish-brown bird with a dark brownish-grey upper body and whitish-grey underparts.
• Only adult males possess the distinctive small, rusty-brown throat patch that gives the species its name.
• Tail features prominent white patches on the tips of the outer feathers, visible in flight or when the tail is folded.
• Melodious, canary-like call with sustained warbling; the bird is also a skilled mimicker of other species' vocalisations.

Habitat

Found primarily in the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia, as well as some coastal areas, plains, and rangelands. It favours acacia and chenopod shrublands, typically with a complex understory such as saltbush, bluebush, or emu bush beneath an overstory of mulga or lacewood. The species is sedentary and has no evidence of seasonal migration.

Diet

An omnivore, the redthroat feeds on seeds from grasses and shrubs as well as a variety of invertebrates including spiders, insects, and gastropods. It predominantly forages on the ground, using a combination of gleaning and probing, and occasionally pounces on prey.

Did you know?

The redthroat is capable of mimicking not only the calls of numerous other bird species but also the non-vocal whistling sound of wingbeats made by a crested pigeon in flight.