Eastern whipbird facts for kids
The eastern whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) is a cool bird from the east coast of Australia. It eats insects. You'll often hear its special 'whip-crack' song in the forests there. There are two types, or subspecies, of this bird. It's usually heard more than seen. It's dark olive-green and black, with a white patch on its cheek and a small crest on its head. Both male and female birds look pretty much the same.
Quick facts for kids Eastern whipbird |
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Psophodes
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olivaceus
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Contents
What is the Eastern Whipbird?
The eastern whipbird is a medium-sized bird, about 26–30 cm (10–12 in) long. It weighs around 47–72 grams (1.7–2.5 oz). It has an olive-green body with a black head and chest. A small black crest sits on its head, and it has a clear white patch on its cheek. Its belly is lighter, and its long tail is dark olive-green with a white tip. The bird has brown eyes, a black beak, and black feet. Male birds are a bit bigger than females. Young whipbirds are duller olive-brown and don't have the white cheek stripes or dark throat.
The Whipbird's Amazing Call
The eastern whipbird is quite shy, so you'll probably hear it more often than you see it. Its long, loud call is one of the most famous sounds in the eastern Australian bush. The call starts with a long note, then a sudden "whip crack," and finishes with a few more notes. This "whip crack" sound is how the bird got its name!
- A Duet: The call is usually a duet between a male and female bird. The male makes the long note and the "whip crack" sound. The female then adds the finishing notes.
- When They Call: They call most often in the early morning. You might also hear them around noon and sunset.
- Call Variations: While male calls sound similar everywhere, female calls can be quite different depending on where they live.
- In Movies: You might have heard their call in movies like Bush Christmas (1983) and The Dark Crystal (1982).
Where Do Eastern Whipbirds Live?
Eastern whipbirds live in wet forests along the east coast of Australia. They like rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests, especially near water. You can find them from eastern Victoria up to central Queensland.
- Northern Whipbirds: A special group, sometimes called the northern whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus lateralis), lives in the wet tropics of North Queensland. They are found from Cooktown to Townsville.
- Habitat Needs: These birds need specific types of habitats. Some studies show that building new towns and cities can be a threat to them because it changes their natural homes.
What Do Eastern Whipbirds Eat?
The eastern whipbird is an insect-eater. It finds its food by searching through fallen leaves and other plant material on the forest floor. They mainly eat different kinds of insects.
How Eastern Whipbirds Raise Their Young
Eastern whipbirds form pairs and stay together. They usually breed from late winter through spring.
- Nests: They build a loose, bowl-shaped nest using twigs and sticks. They line it with softer materials like grasses. Nests are usually in shrubs or trees, about 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) above the ground.
- Eggs: A female usually lays two eggs. The eggs are pale blue with blackish spots and blotches, measuring about 28 x 20 mm.
- Parenting: The female bird sits on the eggs to keep them warm and cares for the baby birds in the nest. The male helps by bringing food. After the young birds leave the nest, the male takes a more active role in looking after them for about six weeks.
- Many Broods: They might have several groups of babies during their long breeding season.
