Redthroat

The Redthroat, Pyrrholaemus brunneus, is a small, elusive bird, predominantly ground-dwelling, with a length of 11–12 cm. Adult males are distinguished by a small, rusty-brown throat patch, which is absent in females and juveniles, making their identification more challenging. The plumage is a greyish-brown, darker on the rump and tail, with a whitish-grey underbody, pale buff flanks, and undertail-coverts. White patches on the tail tips are visible in flight or when the tail is folded.

Identification Tips

To identify the Redthroat, look for the male's distinctive red throat patch. Both sexes have fine off-white scalloping on the forehead, off-white eye rings, and lores. The species can be differentiated from thornbills by its longer tail and less compact body, and from fieldwrens and heathwrens by the less upturned tail.

Habitat

The Redthroat favors arid and semi-arid regions, including acacia and chenopod shrublands, with a complex understory providing essential foraging and nesting resources. It can also be found in coastal areas, plains, rangelands, and various shrublands.

Distribution

Endemic to mainland Australia, the Redthroat is found in all states and territories except the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania. It is prevalent in Western Australia and South Australia, with scattered populations across South Australia, the southern Northern Territory, inland south-western Queensland, and the mallee regions of northwest Victoria.

Behaviour

This species is mostly sedentary, with recaptured individuals found within 10 kilometers of their banding site. The Redthroat is known for its swift movements through low branches and its mouse-like hopping on the ground.

Song & Calls

The Redthroat's melodious call is reminiscent of a canary, with sustained warbling and cheery notes. It is a skilled mimic, capable of imitating the calls of various birds and even the whistling wingbeats of the crested pigeon. Males sing more during the breeding season, and the species vocalizes while foraging and perched atop vegetation.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from June to December, with some regional variation. The species breeds in pairs, constructing large, domed nests with a round entrance, often lined with soft materials. Nests are placed on or near the ground. Females lay two to four chocolate-brown eggs and incubate them alone.

Diet and Feeding

The Redthroat's omnivorous diet includes seeds and a variety of invertebrates. It forages predominantly at heights below 1 meter, employing techniques such as pouncing and gleaning from low vegetation.

Conservation status

The Redthroat has experienced population declines and faces threats such as habitat clearing, overgrazing by feral herbivores, invasive weeds, and predation by exotic predators. It is listed as vulnerable in New South Wales and endangered in Victoria, with conservation actions under consideration to address these threats.