Alternative name: Eastern Shrike-tit
- Falcunculus frontatus
Includes Northern Shrike-tit and Western Shrike-tit
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Identification
Dull green back and wings, yellow belly and boldly marked black and white head, with a small black crest. Its bill is unusually deep, strong and hooked.
Leucogaster has a white belly.
Whitei is smaller and paler.
Females are similar to males but have a dark olive-green throat.
Distribution
Australia.
Leucogaster is currently in decline due to loss of habitat and is considered vulnerable. The nominate form is of least concern.
Taxonomy
Clements accepts three subspecies:
- F. f. frontatus (Eastern Shrike-tit) from SE Australia
- F. f. leucogaster (Western Shrike-tit) from Southwest Western Australia
- F. f. whitei (Northern Shrike-tit) from N Australia
Some authorities (Howard & Moore) merit full species status to all three forms. However neither Clements nor Sibley & Monroe have accepted this split and the Opus awaits further clarification.
Habitat
Woodlands.
Behaviour
Feeds mainly on insects, takes also spiders, fruit seeds and arils. Forages in trees, taking prey from barks or foliage.
Breeding season from August to January, usually double-brooded. The nest is a deep cup, made by the female with bark strips and dry grass. It's placed 6 - 15m high in a tree fork. Lays 2 - 3 eggs.
Nests parasitized by Pallid Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo and Fan-tailed Cuckoo.
Resident with some local movements.
References
- del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Christie, D.A. eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-96553-42-6
- Clements James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
External Links
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