Distribution Map
Slaty-backed Thornbill
Acanthiza robustirostris
EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Slaty-backed Thornbill is a small, elusive bird native to Australia’s arid mulga woodlands. Well-camouflaged among the silvery-grey foliage of inland acacia forests, it is a specialist of dry habitats and is seldom seen outside mixed-age mulga stands.
Fun Facts
The species’ “wi-pu-chew” call is is often the best way to detect their presence in dense mulga stands.
1. Dark red eye with a white broken eyering
2. Fine blackish streaking on the forehead
3. Chestnut rump contrasting with slate-grey upperparts
This species is a mulga specialist, relying on the structure and diversity of mixed-age acacia woodlands. It builds small, dome-shaped nests with thin, fragile walls in low shrubs or trees. The breeding season is generally from July to November. Females lay 2–3 eggs per clutch, and both parents share incubation and feeding duties. Slaty-backed Thornbills are less gregarious than other thornbills, typically remaining in pairs or small family groups.
The Slaty-backed Thornbill is found across arid inland Australia, from western Western Australia to southwest Queensland, always in mulga woodlands. It forages in the outer foliage of low shrubs and acacia trees, rarely feeding on the ground. Birds are usually seen singly or in pairs, quietly moving through mixed-age mulga stands, and are most active and vocal during cooler parts of the day.
Physical Attributes
Height
11 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds4%
Top Locations
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