Western Whipbird
NameWestern Whipbird
Common NameWestern Whipbird
Scientific NamePsophodes nigrogularis
FamilyPsophodidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)22.5
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown, transitioning to paler underparts. The head is grey with a prominent black throat patch and a white stripe extending from below the eye. It has a long, graduated olive-brown tail.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, distinctive 'whip-crack' call, often followed by a series of churring or whistling notes. The call can be quite explosive and carries a long distance.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to southwestern Australia, with fragmented populations found in dense mallee, heathland, and coastal scrub habitats.
Identifying FeaturesLong graduated tail, Olive-brown body plumage, Grey head with black throat patch, White stripe below the eye, Distinctive whip-crack call
Description
This medium-sized, secretive bird is characterized by its olive-brown plumage, long tail, and distinctive grey head with a black throat patch. It typically forages on the ground in dense scrub, known for its loud, whip-crack call.
