Weebill

The Weebill, Smicrornis brevirostris, is a diminutive bird, the smallest in Australia, measuring a mere 8 to 9 centimeters in length. Its plumage is a study in subtlety, with olive-grey hues adorning the upperparts and a paler, yellowish tinge below. This bird's size and coloration are a masterclass in understatement.

Identification Tips

To identify the Weebill, look for its short, pale grey bill, which sets it apart from the thornbills. Its eyes are a pale yellow, and it sports a faint cream supercilium. The grey throat may show striation, and the wings bear pale brown flight feathers. The tail is brown with a distinctive black bar and white tip on most rectrices, save for the central pair. Both sexes share the same plumage, making them monomorphic.

Habitat

The Weebill is a denizen of dry, open eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and mallee. It is most often found flitting about the canopies, though it may venture to the midstory in search of sustenance.

Distribution

This species is a common sight across mainland Australia, absent only from Tasmania. It is a sedentary bird, with populations remaining stable throughout the year.

Behaviour

Weebills are active and sociable, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are adept at clinging to twigs as they forage, and their presence is usually announced by their lively, musical calls.

Song & Calls

The Weebill's vocalizations are a delightful chorus of clear, musical notes, often described as "pee-pee p'wee, wee bit" or "wee willy weetee," carrying far through their woodland homes.

Breeding

The Weebill's breeding season is influenced by its location and the climate, with nesting occurring almost year-round. Their nests are artfully crafted, dome-shaped structures, woven from grasses and plant fibers, and often adorned with cobwebs and animal hair for added strength and camouflage.

Similar Species

While similar in size to thornbills, the Weebill's stubby bill and the coloration of its plumage help distinguish it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

Insects and their larvae form the bulk of the Weebill's diet, with the occasional seed or beetle. They are beneficial to the ecosystem, controlling insect populations that could otherwise harm their arboreal habitats.

Conservation status

The Weebill is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it is not immune to the threats facing many Australian woodland birds, including habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the integrity of their natural habitats.