Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus)

Whipbirds so called because of the song, a rising whistle followed by a sharp retort - and then perhaps some burbling by the female. They live along the eastern seaboard of Australia,are mostly dark olive-green above, with a long tail, and a grey-white belly. The head and breast are black, with a broad white patch on the side of the face and a black crest. The eye is pale cream and the bill is black. Young whip birds are generally duller, with a smaller crest. They live in wet habitats, including rainforest, eucalypt forest and dense scrub near watercourses, in dense vegetation near the ground. They remain in the same area all year round feeding on insects and other small invertebrates, which are caught on the ground by bill. Feeding takes place alone, in pairs or in small family groups. Each 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 lined with finer grasses near the ground. The female incubates the eggs. The young birds are fed by both parents. Sometimes two broods are raised in a single season.