Redthroat
Least ConcernPyrrholaemus brunneus
Visual Identification
Redthroat
Appearance
The Redthroat is a small, inconspicuous bird with predominantly brown plumage. Its most distinctive feature is a bright red patch on the throat, contrasting sharply with its otherwise muted colouration. The upperparts are greyish-brown, while the underparts are lighter, often with a buff tinge.
Females have a much more browner plumage, and have a fainter red patch on the throat.
Juveniles resemble adults but may have a paler or less defined red throat patch. The bird's compact size and rounded shape are characteristic of its family.
Size
Length
12cm to 14cm
Wingspan
16cm to 18cm
Weight
8g to 12g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Redthroats are endemic to Australia and found across much of the arid and semi-arid interior of the continent. They inhabit a variety of scrubland and woodland environments, showing a preference for areas with dense, low vegetation, such as saltbush, bluebush, and acacia shrublands.
Their distribution extends from western New South Wales and southwestern Queensland, across South Australia to parts of Western Australia. They are generally non-migratory, maintaining their territories year-round, though some local movements may occur in response to resource availability.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Semi-arid
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
The Redthroat's diet consists primarily of small insects and their larvae. They forage on the ground and in low vegetation, gleaning prey from leaves and bark.
During certain seasons, they may supplement their diet with seeds and small fruits, adapting to available food sources in their arid habitat.
Behaviour
Redthroats are typically secretive and shy, often remaining hidden in dense vegetation. They forage actively on the ground or in low shrubs, hopping and flitting quickly between branches.
These birds are usually solitary or seen in pairs, rarely forming larger groups except during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Redthroat's song is a key identifying feature, described as a sweet, melodious warble that carries well through their arid habitat. Their call includes a variety of soft 'chip' or 'tseep' notes.
During the breeding season, males often sing from exposed perches, their musical phrases becoming more elaborate and frequent.
Nesting & Breeding
The breeding season for Redthroats typically occurs between July and December, coinciding with periods of increased rainfall in their arid habitats. Pairs form monogamous bonds during this time, with both partners participating in territory defence.
Nests are dome-shaped structures with a side entrance skilfully woven from grasses, bark strips, and spider webs. They are usually placed low in dense shrubs or grass tussocks, well-concealed from predators. The female lays 2-3 white eggs with fine reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 14-16 days, with both parents sharing duties. Both adults feed nestlings and fledge after approximately 14 days, though they may continue to receive parental care for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Lifespan
The Redthroat typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Redthroat is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss and degradation due to land clearing and overgrazing pose potential threats. Climate change may also impact their distribution in arid regions.
Ongoing monitoring and habitat protection efforts are crucial for maintaining stable populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for movement in low, dense shrubs in arid and semi-arid areas
- Listen for their distinctive, melodious song, especially during the breeding season
- Be patient and quiet, as these birds are shy and may take time to reveal themselves
- Use binoculars to spot the red throat patch, which can be difficult to see at a distance
- Visit known habitats early in the morning or late afternoon when they are most active
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Red-throated Warbler, Rufous-tailed Scrub-wren, Scrubtit
Family:
AcanthizidaePredators
Main predators include snakes, feral cats, foxes, and larger bird species such as butcherbirds and currawongs. Nest predation by these animals is a significant threat.
Did You Know?
- The Redthroat can survive without drinking water, obtaining moisture from its insect prey.
- Despite its name, the red throat patch is often difficult to see in the field, making its song a more reliable identification feature.
- Redthroats have been observed performing a 'rodent-run' display, moving with their body low to the ground to distract predators from nests.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Pyrrholaemus brunneus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22704593A93976763.
View source - 3 4
report, 2007: del Hoyo et al.
- 1
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source