The slaty-backed thornbill is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is endemic to Australia.
Region
Australian arid interior
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through inland Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and much of South Australia, with extensions into western Queensland and western New South Wales. It favors mulga (Acacia) woodlands, chenopod shrublands, and mallee edges on sandy or stony soils. Birds keep close to low shrubs and the lower canopy, often near dry creeklines and spinifex-dotted sandplains. It is scarce or absent from dense coastal forests and tall wetter woodlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The slaty-backed thornbill is a small Australian passerine in the Acanthizidae, adapted to arid and semi-arid scrub. It often forages in small, active parties and may join mixed-species flocks. Nests are usually dome-shaped with a side entrance, hidden deep in shrubs. Some populations show cooperative breeding with helpers assisting the breeding pair.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups that move quickly through low shrubs. Territorial during breeding, with some groups showing cooperative breeding by older offspring or relatives. Nests are domed and well concealed in dense shrubs, with clutches commonly of 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin trills and tinkling notes delivered in short bursts from cover. Contact calls are rapid and squeaky, keeping group members coordinated as they forage.
Plumage
Compact thornbill with a slaty-grey back and mantle, darker wings and tail, and paler grey-buff underparts with fine streaking on the throat and breast. Tail is often slightly fanned, showing pale tips. Subtle pale eyebrow and faint mottling on the forehead may be visible at close range.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans from foliage and branchlets, probes bark crevices, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. Seeds or other plant matter may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages within mulga and other acacia shrubs, the lower mallee canopy, and chenopod scrub. Often stays within a meter or two of the ground in dense cover, moving methodically through shrubs.
