Tasmanian Thornbill, Acanthiza ewingii
Tasmanian Thornbill
Photo by Alan Fletcher
Description
The Tasmanian Thornbill is only found in Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands. It is a small (100mm), brown bird similar to the Brown Thornbill. The throat and breast are streaked with grey and white. The white undertail distinguishes this species from the Brown Thornbill. The sexes are alike.
Habitat
The species is common and occurs in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests and wet scrub.
Diet
It feeds on small insects, often fairly close to the ground.
Breeding
The nest is dome-shaped and made of shredded bark, grass and moss. It lays 3-4 pinkish-white freckled eggs.
Call
The call is a 'zit zit zit whooorl'.
Distribution
Found in suitable habitat throughout Tasmania.