Distribution Map
Mountain Thornbill
Acanthiza katherina
EndemicStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Mountain Thornbill is a small, elusive bird found only in the upland rainforests of far north Queensland’s Wet Tropics. Endemic to this region, it is a true specialist of the cool, misty canopies making any encounter a highlight for birdwatchers exploring these ancient tropical highlands.
Fun Facts
Mountain Thornbills, like other high-elevation birds, have dense, insulating plumage that helps them maintain body heat in the cool, often misty conditions of upland rainforests.
1. Bright white eye stands out in the rainforest canopy
2. Fine pale scalloping on the grey forehead
3. Soft grey-green upperparts with pale, faintly streaked underparts
This species is sedentary, rarely moving more than a couple of kilometres from where it hatched. Mountain Thornbills are insectivorous, foraging actively among leaves and branches. They practice cooperative breeding, with family groups helping to raise young in large, domed nests covered in moss for camouflage and waterproofing. Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from October to January. Females lay 2–3 eggs, and both parents, along with helpers, share incubation and feeding duties.
Mountain Thornbills inhabit upland rainforests of the Wet Tropics, from Cooktown to the Paluma Range, mostly between 6–1,6 metres elevation. They are usually seen in the middle to upper canopy, moving in small family groups and rarely descending below two metres above ground. Early morning is the best time to spot them, as they are most active and vocal then.
Physical Attributes
Height
10 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds0%
Top Locations
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