Pyrrholaemus brunneus
Redthroat
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.
Length
12cm to 14cm
Wingspan
16cm to 18cm
Weight
8g to 12g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Arid, Semi-arid
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Red-throated Warbler, Rufous-tailed Scrub-wren, Scrubtit
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.
Your feedback helps us improve our content
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Sign in to be the first to review
Join our community to rate birds and share your experiences. Creating an account is completely free and only takes a minute.
Your information is secure and will never be shared.
By creating an account, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Pyrrholaemus brunneus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22704593A93976763.
View sourcereport, 2007: del Hoyo et al.
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source