Eastern Whipbird

Scientific name: Psophodes olivaceus

Author(s)

Louise Carter, Melissa Murray
Updated

02/03/23
Read time

2 minutes

Psophodes olivaceus, Eastern Whipbird on branch. Photographer:arronsphoto/Flikr Image: arronsphoto/Flikr
© arronsphoto/Flikr

Fast Facts

Classification

Genus

Psophodes

Species

olivaceus

Family

Psophodidae

Order

Passeriformes

Class

Aves

Phylum

Chordata
Size Range

Up to 30 cm

What do Eastern Whipbirds look like?

Identification

The Eastern Whipbird is a medium-sized bird with a black head, breast and conspicuous crest, with a broad white patch on the side of the face that increases in size as the bird matures. It is dark olive-green, with a long tail, and a grey-white belly. The eye is pale cream and the bill is black. Young birds are generally duller in colour and have a smaller crest.

There are two sub-species, the Wet Tropics Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus lateralis) and the South-east Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus olivaceus).

Psophodes olivaceus, Eastern Whipbird on fence Image: arronsphoto/Flikr
© arronsphoto/Flikr

Where do Eastern Whipbirds live?

Habitat

Wet habitats, including rainforest, eucalypt forest and dense scrub near watercourses, in dense vegetation near the ground.

Distribution

Eastern Australia.

What do Eastern Whipbirds eat and how do they communicate?

Feeding and diet

Feeding takes place alone, in pairs or in small family groups.

Communication

Its call is one of the most characteristic sounds of the Australian bush and is performed as a duet. The male makes the drawn out whip crack and the female usually follows quickly with a sharp 'choo-choo'. It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, which are caught on the ground.

How do Eastern Whipbirds mate?

Breeding behaviours

A breeding pair occupies a territory, which is defended year round, with the mates staying together for many years. The female makes a cup nest of sticks and bark, which is lined with finer grasses, and placed in dense vegetation near the ground. The female also incubates the eggs but the young birds are fed by both parents. The birds are secretive, but can be curious, and will be seen if the observer remains patient.