Gibberbird

The Gibberbird, known scientifically as Ashbyia lovensis, presents a striking figure with its grey crown and vibrant yellow forehead, face, and underbelly. Its rump ranges from black to grey-brown, and it sports a dark brown to black bill with grey-brown feet. The bird's eyes are set apart by their bright yellow irises, adding to its distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

Males and females of this species show only subtle differences, with females sometimes exhibiting more brown in their plumage, particularly around the throat, face, and neck. They may also have a heavier breast band and a generally duller look compared to the males. Juveniles resemble adults but have a brown back, crown, and wings, with a pale yellow throat. The Gibberbird typically measures between 12.5 to 13 cm in length and weighs between 14 to 20 grams.

Habitat

The Gibberbird thrives in the stony, sparsely vegetated expanses of the Australian gibber deserts. These habitats may include open shrubland or grasslands, often with a scattering of grasses like Astrebla and Enneapogon, or in low chenopod shrubland dominated by Sclerolaena and Atriplex on higher ground.

Distribution

Endemic to Australia, the Gibberbird's range includes the southeastern Northern Territory, south-west Queensland to north-west New South Wales, and across the northeastern region of South Australia. It is particularly common in the stony plains of the Lake Eyre basin and adjoining areas.

Behaviour

The Gibberbird is a sedentary species, showing little to no migratory behavior, though some local movements have been noted outside of the breeding season, likely in search of resources. It is almost entirely terrestrial, comfortable on the ground where it feeds, roosts, and nests.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic forager, the Gibberbird's diet consists of a variety of invertebrates such as spiders, caterpillars, moths, cicadas, grasshoppers, and other insects. It has been observed turning over clay clods with its bill to uncover and consume blowfly larvae. Foraging is primarily done on the ground, but it may also chase flying insects up to a meter above the surface.

Breeding

Breeding can occur throughout the year, with a higher incidence following the first seasonal rains. The Gibberbird nests in shallow depressions on the ground, often sheltered by a bush or grass clump. The nest is lined with twigs and grass, forming a cup shape with a surrounding platform. Clutch size ranges from 2 to 4 eggs, which are pale pink to light flesh-colored with reddish spots. Chicks are altricial, hatching blind and naked.

Song & Calls

The Gibberbird's song is a sweet "musical chatter," described as a squeaky "weet-weet-weet," believed to be used for mate attraction. Its alarm call is a series of high, piercing notes, while its display call during flight is a sharp "whit-whit-whit" or a clear "tswee-tswee-tswee."

Conservation status

The Gibberbird is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is one of the few species that may have benefited from the introduction of livestock, due to habitat modification and increased availability of insect larvae during winter.