Distribution Map
Slender-billed Thornbill
Acanthiza iredalei
EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Species Description
The Slender-billed Thornbill is a specialist of Australia’s saline environments, thriving in coastal saltmarshes, inland saltbush, and low heath near salt lakes. This small, highly adapted bird is found in scattered populations across southern Australia.
Fun Facts
Despite their small size, they maintain territories of up to 1 hectares in specialised saltbush habitat, requiring extensive areas of this rare ecosystem for their clan-based social system.
1. Heavily scalloped white markings on a dark forehead
2. Pale cream or whitish eye with fine dusky flecking on the face
3. Prominent pale cream rump contrasting with a dark tail
These thornbills feed mainly on insects and spiders, gleaning from shrubs rather than the ground. They build small, globe-shaped nests in low shrubs, constructed from grass, bark, cobwebs, and sometimes seaweed. Breeding occurs from July to November, with females laying up to three eggs per clutch. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. The species is social, usually seen in pairs or small groups, and maintains territories in their specialised habitats.
Slender-billed Thornbills are found in salt-tolerant shrublands and saltmarshes, especially around salt lakes, samphire flats, and chenopod shrublands in Western Australia, South Australia, and western Victoria`.` They are usually seen in small flocks or pairs, foraging in low, dense vegetation, and are rarely alone. They are most active during cooler parts of the day and often remain within 2 metres of tidal channels or the edges of salt lakes.
Physical Attributes
Height
10 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds0%
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