How to identify little brown birds

5 minute read

Australia is full of little brown birds! This will help you identify six species - the thornbills (Brown, Inland, Striated, Tasmanian), the Western Gerygone and the White-browed Scrubwren.

Does your little brown bird have yellow on its body? We’ve also got a little yellow birds guide.

 

Brown Thornbill

The tan-chestnut coloured feathers on the top of the Brown Thornbill’s head is a giveaway. Also look for its red eye and striations on its chest.

 
Image of a small brown bird on a branch. Text highlights chestnut head, striations on chest and red eye

Inland Thornbill

The Inland Thornbill often cocks its reddish-brown rump and tail up in the air. Also look for the scalloped feathers on its forehead.

 
Image of an inland thornbill with its cocked tail and scalloped feathers on its head

Striated Thornbill

Look for the copper cap with white streaks. This tiny acrobat can be mainly found in the upper and middle-upper canopy, hanging out in eucalyptus trees.

 
Image of a striated thornbill with its copper cap and striations on its chest

Tasmanian Thornbill

This bird is only found in Tassie. Look for its reddish forehead with lightly scalloped feathers. It also has a white underbelly, rufous-edged wings and a face that’s greyer than the Brown Thornbill.

 

Brown Gerygone

The Western Gerygone is a tiny grey bird that appears more olive-brown as a juvenile (pictured). Look for its red eye, faint white eyebrow and white-tipped tail.

 
Image of a Brownb Gerygone with its white eyebrow, red eye, brown back and white patch under its tail

White-browed Scrubwren

This small olive-brown bird has a striking white eyebrow and whisker marks on its chin. It also has rufous-coloured tail feathers on its rump.

 
Image of a white-browed scrubwren with its white eyebrows and whisker marks and rufous rump

Weekend Birder episodes

Learn more about little birds in these short podcast episodes:

7 Little Brown Birds - with Ricki

26 Bush Birds - with Bridget

58 Thornbills - with Ricki

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