Southern Whiteface
Aphelocephala leucopsis
The Southern Whiteface (Aphelocephala leucopsis) is a uncommon gerygones, thornbills, scrubwrens, and alli found only in Australia, weighing about 12 g. The southern whiteface is a small passerine found in arid regions across most of the southern half of the Australian continent, excluding Tasmania.
About the Southern Whiteface
The southern whiteface is a small passerine found in arid regions across most of the southern half of the Australian continent, excluding Tasmania. Superficially finch-like in appearance, this insectivorous bird is relatively common throughout most of its range, however, overall populations appear to be in decline.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The southern whiteface is a stocky thornbill-like bird with a brown dorsum, white belly, dark brown wings and a black tail with narrow white tip. A grey wash on the belly is sometimes present, along with a grey or rufous tinge to the flanks. This species displays the characteristic facial markings of the genus; a white band across the forehead, with a darker streak along the top edge. Adult birds are approximately 11.5 cm (4.5 in) in length with a cream coloured eye, grey legs and a stubby dark grey bill of finch-like appearance.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Southern Whiteface?
- The southern whiteface is a stocky thornbill-like bird with a brown dorsum, white belly, dark brown wings and a black tail with narrow white tip. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Southern Whiteface?
- The Southern Whiteface is a tiny sized bird weighing about 12 g.
- Where can you see a Southern Whiteface?
- The Southern Whiteface is endemic to Australia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Southern Whiteface?
- The Southern Whiteface is most easily confused with the Banded Whiteface and the Chestnut-breasted Whiteface.
- Is the Southern Whiteface endangered?
- The Southern Whiteface is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Southern Whiteface for real
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