Inland Thornbill

1. Bold dark streaking on white throat and breast

2. Upright tail-cocking behaviour

3. Rufous-brown rump with broad black-and-white-tipped tail

Inland Thornbills are insectivorous, gleaning insects from foliage and branches. They are known for their vocal mimicry, often incorporating calls of other bird species into their own song. Breeding takes place mainly from July to December. The female builds a domed nest in a low shrub or sometimes uses old babbler nests. Clutch size is typically 2–4 eggs, and both parents share incubation and feeding duties. Inland Thornbills are relatively long-lived for small birds, with records of individuals living over seven years.

This species inhabits a wide range of dry and semi-arid environments, including mulga, mallee, acacia shrublands, and even mangroves in southwestern Western Australia. Look for them in dense understorey, foraging in pairs or small groups, often joining mixed flocks with fairy-wrens and other small birds. They are active throughout the day and are more often heard than seen, thanks to their varied and musical calls.