Yellow-throated Scrubwren

Did you know?

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren has been called the Blacknest-bird, for its habit of using black roots to build its domed nest.

Calls
Melodious whistles, harsh chattering; also some mimicry.
Facts and Figures
Research Species: 
No
Minimum Size: 
19cm
Maximum Size: 
22cm
Average size: 
20cm
Average weight: 
17g
Breeding season: 
August to February
Clutch Size: 
Two to four, usually three.
Conservation Status
Federal: 
NSW: 
QLD: 
Basic Information
Scientific Name: 
Featured bird groups: 
Atlas Number: 
493
What does it look like?
Description: 

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren is a small, ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive black face mask and forehead, which is bordered by a white and yellow eyebrow above and a bright yellow throat below. The crown and back are dark olive-brown, the underparts grade from the yellow throat to white on the belly, with the flanks washed olive. The wings are dark grey brown with the outer edges yellowish. The relatively long legs are cream to pinkish-grey and the bill is black. Females tend to have a brown face mask and forehead. Young birds are duller than adults in colour, with the underparts washed fawn.

Similar species: 

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren can be distinguished from other, smaller, scrubwrens, such as the White-browed ScrubwrenS. frontalis, by its yellow throat and black face markings, combined with a dark eye.

Where does it live?
Distribution: 

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren is found along the east coast of Australia, in two discrete populations: one in far northern Queensland, the other from south-eastern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Habitat: 

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren is found in rainforests and wet, timbered gullies with dense vegetation.

Seasonal movements: 

Sedentary.

What does it do?
Feeding: 

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren feeds exclusively on the ground, foraging for seeds, insects and other small invertebrates.

Breeding: 

The Yellow-throated Scrubwren builds a long, bulky domed nest with a hooded side entrance, suspended in tangled vines or from a branch about 1 m to 10 m from the ground. It is made from roots, vine tendrils, leaf skeletons, moss and twigs, and is lined with feathers.

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