Bird guideVaried Sittella

Tiny, short-tailed bird with a thin, slightly upturned bill.

⚠️NSW: Vulnerable; VIC: Vulnerable

At a glance

FamilySittellas
SizeTiny
RarityCommon
HabitatInhabits woodlands, where usually seen in small flocks that methodically clamber along tree trunks, probing for insects in bark.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Peter Boesman

Range map

Range map

5267visible hotspots
51804visible records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Yellow eyering in all plumages, but different subspecies vary tremendously in plumage, ranging from black-headed to white-headed, streaked and unstreaked; in flight all, show prominent pale wingstripe.

Behavior

Inhabits woodlands, where usually seen in small flocks that methodically clamber along tree trunks, probing for insects in bark. Birds give frequent “chip-chip” call as they forage.

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: August to November14,466 records
Queensland
Peak: April to October11,710 records
Northern Territory
Peak: June to September1,422 records
Western Australia
Peak: April to October3,158 records
Victoria
Peak: August to January16,077 records
South Australia
Peak: August to November2,131 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: September to October2,723 records
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