Pomatostomus temporalis
The Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) is a striking, medium-sized passerine bird, typically measuring 23-29 cm (9.1-11.4 in) in length and weighing 65-85g. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent grey crown, framed by a broad white supercilium and a dark brown stripe extending through the eye. The back is a warm brownish hue, contrasting with a clean white throat and breast, which transitions to a rich rufous-brown on the belly. A long, dark, downcurved bill and a long, gradu...
Found primarily in open eucalypt woodlands, acacia scrublands, and riparian zones. It typically occupies low to moderate elevations.
Feeds primarily on a diverse range of insects, including beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and larvae, as well as other invertebrates like spiders and centipedes. It forages mostly by probing and gleaning from the ground, leaf litter, and low vegetation.
Grey-crowned Babblers are diurnal and highly social, living in cohesive family groups of 3 to 15 individuals, foraging primarily on the ground or in low vegetation. They move through their territory with a characteristic bobbing gait and constant vocalizations, often probing leaf litter, under ba...
The Grey-crowned Babbler is a resident species found across a broad swathe of Australia and southern New Guinea. In Australia, its range extends from northern Queensland, through the Northern Territory and eastern parts of South Australia, and south through New South Wales to central Victoria. It...
Least Concern
- Grey-crowned Babblers are renowned cooperative breeders, with multiple 'helpers' assisting the dominant pair in raising young. - They build large, elaborate, domed stick nests, sometimes constructing several within their territory for roosting and one specifically for breeding. - The 'babbler' ...