Acanthorhynchus superciliosus
The Western Spinebill, *Acanthorhynchus superciliosus*, is a small, energetic honeyeater endemic to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, renowned for its hummingbird-like flight and specialized feeding habits. Measuring 12-16 cm in length and weighing 6-11 grams, this species is immediately identifiable by its conspicuously long, slender, and strongly decurved bill. Males sport a vibrant chestnut throat and nape, contrasted by a bold white supercilium, black eye-stripe, and a black c...
Found primarily in sclerophyll forests, woodlands, and heathlands, particularly those with abundant flowering plants like Banksias and Grevilleas, from sea level to moderate elevations.
Their primary diet consists of nectar from a wide range of native flowering plants, supplemented significantly by small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein.
Western Spinebills are highly active diurnal birds, typically solitary or found in pairs, spending their days meticulously foraging. Their foraging strategy is iconic: they skillfully hover in front of flowers to extract nectar with their long tongues, much like hummingbirds, and also hawk insect...
The Western Spinebill is strictly endemic to the southwest biogeographic region of Western Australia, making it one of the state's iconic avian residents. Its breeding and year-round range extends from around Kalbarri in the north, south along the coast and hinterland to Albany and eastwards to t...
Least Concern
- The Western Spinebill is one of Australia's avian parallels to the hummingbirds of the Americas, capable of hovering effortlessly while feeding. - Its extremely long, decurved bill is perfectly adapted to access nectar from tube-shaped flowers like those of Banksia and Grevillea. - The prominen...