The slender-billed thornbill is a small bird native to Australia. It includes three sub-species:A. i. hedleyi A. i. iredalei A. i. rosinae
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across southern Australia, including coastal saltmarsh around Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf, the Eyre Peninsula, the Coorong and southeast South Australia, far western Victoria, and parts of southwest Western Australia. It is strongly associated with low chenopod shrublands, notably samphire (Tecticornia) and saltbush/bluebush communities on saline flats and around coastal and inland salt lakes. Birds keep close to the ground and dense shrubs, rarely venturing into taller woodland. Habitats are often near tidal marshes, estuaries, or inland saline depressions with open, low vegetation. Fragmentation of these habitats influences its patchy distribution.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The slender-billed thornbill is a small, saltmarsh- and chenopod-shrubland specialist found only in southern Australia. It forages low in samphire, saltbush and bluebush, often in small, active parties. Several subspecies have fragmented ranges, and some local populations are at risk due to loss and degradation of coastal saltmarsh. Like many thornbills, it may engage in cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting a breeding pair.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, moving restlessly through low shrubs while gleaning prey. Nests are domed and well-concealed within dense vegetation. Cooperative breeding may occur, with additional birds helping to feed nestlings. Territories are maintained year-round in suitable habitat patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched trills and tinkling notes delivered from within low cover. Calls include soft contact chips used to keep groups together. Vocalizations can be rapid and insect-like, blending into ambient marsh sounds.
Plumage
Fine, plain grey-brown to olive-brown upperparts with a paler, buffy-white underside and subtle fine streaking on the throat and breast. Tail is brown with pale tips forming small corners when spread. Overall appearance is soft-toned and cryptic, adapted to blend with saltmarsh shrubs.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as insects, spiders, and larvae gleaned from foliage and stems. It searches among samphire and saltbush, probing crevices and picking prey from leaves and twigs. Occasional small seeds or plant matter may be taken, especially in harsher seasons. Foraging is methodical but rapid, often in cohesion with group members.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in low, open chenopod shrublands and saltmarsh with abundant samphire and saltbush. Frequently forages near ground level within dense, halophytic shrubs around saline flats, tidal marsh edges, and inland salt lake margins.
