Gibberbird
Ashbyia lovensis
The Gibberbird (Ashbyia lovensis) is a rare honeyeater found only in Australia, weighing about 18 g. The gibberbird is a species of chat within the Meliphagidae family of passerine birds.
About the Gibberbird
The gibberbird is a species of chat within the Meliphagidae family of passerine birds.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The gibberbird has a distinctive visage which is characterized by a grey crown, yellow forehead, face and underbelly with a black to grey-brown rump. The bill is a dark brown to black with grey-brown feet. The iris of the eye is a distinguishing shade of bright yellow. Unlike other chats, the gibberbird only has slight sexual dimorphisms between the male and female. Females differ very slightly and can sometimes be distinguished by more brown plumage, especially around the throat, face and neck. Voice: There is little information on the call of the gibberbird and further studies will need to be conducted to fill the gaps in our knowledge of this species . However, from current studies it is known that the gibberbird has a sweet song that is thought to be utilised to call to a mate. This song has been described as "musical chatter" and to hear it is a squeaky "weet-weet-weet".
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in September. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Gibberbird?
- The gibberbird has a distinctive visage which is characterized by a grey crown, yellow forehead, face and underbelly with a black to grey-brown rump. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Gibberbird?
- The Gibberbird is a small sized bird weighing about 18 g.
- Where can you see a Gibberbird?
- The Gibberbird is endemic to Australia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Gibberbird?
- The Gibberbird is most easily confused with the Black-throated Honeyeater, the Timor Friarbird and the Green-backed Honeyeater.
- Is the Gibberbird endangered?
- The Gibberbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Gibberbird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.