The western gerygone is a small, brownish-grey species of passerine bird, which is found in inland and south-west Australia. It is an arboreal, insectivore of open forest, woodland and dry shrubland. It is not currently threatened with extinction.
Region
Southwest and inland Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in open eucalypt forest, woodland, mallee, and dry shrublands across southwestern and inland parts of Australia. It also uses riparian thickets, acacia scrub, and edge habitats, and can be found in larger parks and gardens with scattered trees. The species forages mostly in the canopy and mid-story, moving methodically through foliage. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats provided there is tree and shrub cover. Breeding is typically in woodland patches with adequate nest sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The western gerygone is a tiny Australian warbler of the family Acanthizidae, often detected by its sweet, descending whistle before it is seen. It builds a distinctive pendulous, pear-shaped nest of fine plant fibers with a side entrance. By gleaning insects from foliage, it helps control leaf-eating pests in woodlands and parks.
Western gerygone subspecies G. f. fusca. Note the distinctive tail pattern as it fans its tail, while hovering.
Western gerygone eggs from Balranald, NSW (Museums Victoria)
Temperament
active and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief fluttering sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within defended territories during the breeding season. Outside breeding, small family groups or loose associations may join mixed-species flocks in woodland. The species builds a pendulous, pear-shaped nest suspended from fine branches, often well concealed among foliage. Both parents care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sweet, clear series of descending whistles that repeat in deliberate phrases. Song carries well through open woodland and is often the first clue to the bird’s presence. Calls include soft contact notes while foraging.
Plumage
Subtle, brownish-grey upperparts with paler, whitish underparts and a light grey-buff wash on the flanks; fine-textured plumage with a neat appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short hover-gleans at the tips of foliage. Foraging is methodical and mostly within the canopy and mid-story. It may take advantage of mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in eucalypt canopies, acacia thickets, and shrub layers within open woodland and mallee. It also uses riparian trees and larger garden trees in semi-urban areas when cover is available.
