Bird Guide

Yellow Thornbill

Acanthiza nana

Least ConcernEndemicInvertebratesShrublandDomed nestTiny · 6 g

About the Yellow Thornbill

The yellow thornbill, formerly known as the little thornbill, is a tiny passerine bird endemic to the eastern coast of Australia. While currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the general consensus is that the population is decreasing.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Although similar to the striated thornbill and brown thornbill in both size and shape, the yellow colour of the yellow thornbill is more prominent. There is no sexual dimorphism, so that males and females look alike. They are around 9 cm (3.5 in) in length, with an average wing span of 14 cm (5.5 in), and weighing between 6–7 g (0.21–0.25 oz). Voice: The yellow thornbill has a loud, two-note tzid-id call, notably different from calls of the closely related striated thornbill by its harsher, less insect-like sound. The call is repeated at various intervals throughout the day and is associated with contact between birds while foraging, as defence, or as a territorial advertisement.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Yellow Thornbill lives

Regular range

When to see the Yellow Thornbill

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Brown Thornbill vs Yellow Thornbill · Yellow-rumped Thornbill vs Yellow Thornbill · Striated Thornbill vs Yellow Thornbill

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