The Tasmanian Thornbill is a small bushland member of the Acanthizidae family, endemic to Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands. It is a common bird in these regions and is often found occupying the colder, wetter portions of them. The brown thornbill will typically occupy the correspondingly drier portions of habitat.
Region
Tasmania and Bass Strait Islands
Typical Environment
This species occupies wet eucalypt forest, temperate rainforest edges, damp scrub, tea-tree thickets, and dense ferny gullies. It also uses coastal heath and regenerating forest where a thick understorey is present. Birds typically forage in the lower to mid understorey, moving methodically through shrubs and saplings. It is more abundant in colder, wetter parts of Tasmania and on several Bass Strait islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tasmanian Thornbill is a small, energetic understorey specialist found only in Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. It prefers cooler, wetter habitats than the closely related Brown Thornbill and can be distinguished by its dark eye and finely streaked throat. Pairs hold year‑round territories and build domed nests hidden low in dense shrubs.
Tasmanian Thornbill. Fern Tree, Tasmania.
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories year-round. Often joins mixed-species foraging parties with other small insectivores in cooler months. The nest is a domed structure with a side entrance, placed low in dense shrubs; both parents care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, delicate series of trills and tinkling phrases delivered from low perches within shrubs. Contact calls are thin, high 'tsee' notes and soft chips, often given while foraging.
