Appearance
The inland thornbill ranges in size from 9 to 11 centimetres, averaging 10 centimetres and 7 grams. The bird has a grey-brown back, a reddish rump, and a dark tail with a white tip. Its underbelly is cream colored with black streaks. Both male and female thornbills look similar, though male birds tend to be a bit larger.
Naming
The inland thornbill encompasses four subspecies:⤷ "Acanthiza apicalis albiventris"
⤷ "Acanthiza apicalis apicalis", the nominate subsp.
⤷ "Acanthiza apicalis cinerascens"
⤷ "Acanthiza apicalis whitlocki", originally described as a species of "Acanthiza" by A. J. North, who was requested to honour the collector of its specimens, F. Lawson Whitlock, by the sponsor of the expedition, H. L. White.
Distribution
The inland thornbill can be found throughout Australia inland of the Great Dividing Range, but not in tropical northern climates or in Tasmania. The inland thornbill overlaps in range with the brown thornbill along the Great Dividing Range, leading to numerous mis-sightings. Inland thornbills live in dry scrublands and woodlands. In Southwestern Australia, they also inhabit sand heaths and karri and jarrah forests. It feeds on small insects and spiders, and occasionally seeds and small vegetable matter, beneath shrubs and in foliage.
Reproduction
Breeding season lasts from July through December. Female thornbills average three eggs per clutch, which incubate for 19 days. Baby birds leave the nest after 17 days.References:
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