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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekend Birder episodes
Learn more about little birds in these short podcast episodes:
