If you've been visiting the block for a while, you'll know that the White-browed Babblers are amongst my favourite resident birds here, purely for their entertainment value. They bounce and hop, chuckle, chortle, squabble and are simply delightful to see. I'd estimate ten birds in the family group here, which will be comprised of one or two breeding pairs and the rest of the family. Apart from nest-building, which is done by the breeding female, the Babblers all help to construct a roost to sleep in at night and can be observed gathering grasses and sticks for the purpose. The roost is similar to the nest, but slightly larger to accommodate the group. The Babblers feed mainly on the ground, enthusiastically clearing away leaf litter with long curved beaks being well-suited for extracting insects and spiders. They'll eat seeds and fruit too. In the warmer weather they make a depression in the dirt for a sand bath - this often results in ownership disputes. While the female builds the brood nest and has sole egg-sitting duty, the other birds in the group will feed her while she does and will also help to feed her offspring.
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Archives
December 2018
January - Superb Fairy-Wren
Feb - Eastern Yellow Robin March - NH Honeyeater April - Crimson Rosella May - Grey Currawong June - Grey Shrike-thrush July - Red-browed Finch Aug - White-browed Babbler Sept - Australian Ringneck Oct - Striated Thornbill Nov-Y-t Black Cockatoo Dec - Australian Magpie |