Southern Whiteface

The Southern Whiteface (Aphelocephala leucopsis) is a small, finch-like passerine bird, with a robust build and a distinctive facial pattern. It has a brown back, white underparts, and dark brown wings, with a black tail that features a narrow white tip. The bird's face is adorned with a white band across the forehead, edged with a darker streak above. Adults measure approximately 11.5 cm in length, with cream-colored eyes, grey legs, and a stout, dark grey bill.

Identification Tips

To identify the Southern Whiteface, look for its stocky thornbill-like shape, the white band on its forehead, and the absence of a breast band, which distinguishes it from similar species. The bird's bill is finch-like, and juveniles can be recognized by the lack of a black rear band on the face.

Habitat

This species is found in arid open woodlands with shrubby or grassy understories, as well as grass plains. It favors Acacia woodlands, particularly those dominated by mulga and chenopod shrubs such as saltbush and bluebush.

Distribution

Endemic to Australia, the Southern Whiteface is distributed across most of the southern half of the continent, excluding Tasmania. It is a sedentary bird, although it may move to wetter areas during drought.

Behaviour

Southern Whitefaces forage in small groups, primarily on the ground, and may join larger flocks or mixed-species feeding groups outside the breeding season. They are known to participate in cooperative breeding, with multiple adults involved in rearing chicks.

Song & Calls

The call of the Southern Whiteface is a rapid, noisy twittering "tchip-tchip-chiptchipt-chipt-chip" or "tzip-tzip-tziptzip," with a harsher "kzzurrk, kzzurrk-kzzurrk" when alarmed.

Breeding

Breeding occurs once or twice a year from July to October, with the timing influenced by rainfall. In arid regions, breeding may occur outside the usual season following sufficient rain or may not occur at all during drought years.

Nesting

The species constructs a domed nest with a side entrance, using dry grasses or bark and lining it with feathers or fur. Nests are placed in shrubs or tree hollows at various heights. Eggs are dull white or buff with brown blotches, and clutches usually consist of 3-4 eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of arthropods, including insects and arachnids, but also seeds and leaves. Southern Whitefaces preferentially forage on ground litter, herbs, and bare ground, gleaning their insectivorous prey.

Conservation Status

The Southern Whiteface is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Populations have declined by 43% in recent years, with habitat disturbance from fire, grazing, agriculture, and potentially mining operations posing significant threats. Conservation efforts focus on managing habitat to maintain a variety of ground substrates essential for foraging.