Scrubtit, Acanthornis magnus
Scrubtit (Photograph by Dave Watts)
Although common, the endemic Scrubtit is often difficult to see due to its secretive nature, and can be easily confused with the Tasmanian Thornbill or Tasmanian Scrubwren.
Description
Up to 120mm long, the Scrubtit has a light cream coloured throat, breast and belly and a brown head, and a brown eye with a black centre and white eye ring which assists in distinguishing the species.
Habitat
The Scrubtit occurs within the dense undergrowth in rainforest and wet eucalypt forest, particularly dense gullies.
Diet
The Scrubtit forages individually, in pairs or in small family
groups near the ground, taking insects and other invertebrates among bark, litter and foliage. The species will associate with mixed-species feeding flocks.
Breeding
It breeds from September to December, laying 3 white lightly spotted eggs in a woven, domed nest with a side entrance, usually placed 1-3 metres above the ground.
Call
The species is often silent but the call is a quiet, double chirp or warble.
Distribution
This uncommon bird is found in suitable habitat throughout Tasmania, except Flinders Island.