Eastern Whipbird.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
Eastern Whipbird, head.
Photo: R.Major © Australian Museum
Eastern Whipbird. Image from: John Gould (1804-81) The birds of Australia 1840-48. 7 vols. 600 plates Artists: J. Gould and E. Gould; Lithographer: E. Gould.
Photo: Research Library © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Psophodes olivaceus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Eastern Whipbird
Scientific name: Psophodes olivaceus
Family: Cinclosomatidae
Order: Passeriformes
What does it look like?
Description
Adult Eastern Whipbirds are mostly dark olive-green above, with a long tail, and a grey-white belly. The head and breast are black, with a broad white patch on the side of the face and a black crest. The eye is pale cream and the bill is black. Young whip birds are generally duller, with a smaller crest. The white cheek patch is absent in very young birds, and increases in size as the birds mature.
Similar species
Eastern Whipbirds are hard to confuse with any other Australian bird. The much rarer Western Whipbird, Psophodes nigrogularis, of southern and south-western Australia, has an olive-brown crest and a smaller white face patch. It is also smaller, measuring 22 to 24 cm.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The range of the Eastern Whipbird is from northern Queensland to Victoria along the coastal band of eastern Australia.
Habitat
Eastern Whipbirds live in wet habitats, including rainforest, eucalypt forest and dense scrub near watercourses, in dense vegetation near the ground. The birds are secretive, but can be curious, and will be seen if the observer remains patient.
Seasonal movements
Sedentary; The birds remain in the same area all year round.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Eastern Whipbird feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, which are caught on the ground by bill. Feeding takes place alone, in pairs or in small family groups.
Breeding
A breeding pair of Eastern Whipbirds occupies a territory, which is defended year round, with the mates staying together for many years. The female makes a cup nest of sticks and bark, which is lined with finer grasses, and placed in dense vegetation near the ground. The female also incubates the eggs. The young birds are fed by both parents. Sometimes two broods are raised in a single season.
Living with us
Living with humans
wIn the north, the Eastern Whipbird's distribution has become patchy where its habitat has been cleared.
Urban habitat requirements
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References
Boles, W.E. 1988. The Robins and Flycatchers of Australia. Angus and Robertson and The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Schodde, R. and Tideman, S.C. (eds) 1990. Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.