The western shriketit is a species of bird in the family Falcunculidae. It is sparsely distributed across Southwest Australia.
Region
Southwest Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across the southwest of Western Australia, favoring mature eucalypt forests and woodlands. It is closely associated with jarrah, marri, and wandoo habitats, as well as sheoak and banksia woodlands. It also uses mallee edges, riparian belts, and larger remnants within the Wheatbelt where substantial trees persist. The species requires trees with rough bark and dead limbs, which provide foraging substrates and nest sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The western shriketit is noted for its powerful, parrot-like bill used to prize bark and expose hidden insects. It often forages quietly in pairs, methodically working along trunks and larger branches. Males show a bolder black head pattern than females, which are duller overall. Its presence can be detected by sharp, whistled calls from mid to upper eucalypt canopies.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in mature woodland. Forages deliberately along trunks and large branches, often prying or chiseling bark flakes to extract prey. Nests are cup-shaped and placed high in eucalypts; both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, ringing whistles and short, repeated phrases delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp, piping notes and soft contact calls between pair members. Vocalizations carry well through open woodland.
