Redthroat

Redthroat

Pyrrholaemus brunneus

Least Concern

Known for its distinctive red throat and rich brown plumage, the Redthroat is a captivating presence in Australia's dry forests and woodlands. As a solitary member of the Acanthizidae family, this intriguing bird scours the undergrowth, its unique markings and diligent foraging habits making it a remarkable feature amongst Australia's diverse bird species.

Appearance and Identification

Primary Color

Brown

Primary Color (female)

Brown

Primary Color (juvenile)

Grey

Secondary Colors

Grey, White

Secondary Colors (female)

Grey, White

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Dark Brown

Wing Color (female)

Dark Brown

Wing Color (juvenile)

Grey

Beak Type

Short

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (female)

Black

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Grey

Leg Color (female)

Grey

Leg Color (juvenile)

Grey

Distinctive Markings

Dull red patch on throat, white eyebrows

Distinctive Markings (female)

Similar to male but no red throat

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Similar to female, but no forehead markings

Tail Description

Long and wide fan-shaped

Tail Description (female)

Long and wide fan-shaped

Tail Description (juvenile)

Less fan-shaped

Size Metrics

10cm to 13cm

Length

17cm to 20cm

Wingspan

10g to 14g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Distinctive chirps

Call Description

Series of clear, chirps, often repeated in a pattern

Alarm Calls

Sharp, short chirps signaling distress or alert

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Primarily active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening

Social Habits

Mostly solitary, occasionally forms pairs or small groups during breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Defends feeding and nesting territories, especially during mating season

Migratory Patterns

Mostly sedentary

Interaction with Other Species

Occasionally interacts with other bird species, particularly in feeding areas

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Spiders

Feeding Habits

Forages on the ground

Feeding Times

Throughout the day, peaking at dawn and dusk

Prey Capture Method

Picking off from leaves and bark

Diet Variations

Varies with location, season, and prey availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

In shrubs or low trees

Nest Construction

Cup-shaped nest made of grass and bark

Breeding Season

March to December, but mostly from July to December

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Usually once, but sometimes two

Egg Appearance

Dark brown to Olive Brown

Egg Size

Approximately 1cm x 1.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-4 eggs

Incubation Period

Around 14 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 2 weeks

Parental Care

Females incubate eggs and both parents feed chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Australia, particularly the south and west

Habitat Description

Shrubby understorey in dry forests and woodlands

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1000m

Migration Patterns

Mostly sedentary

Biome

Woodlands, Forest

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

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