Eastern Spinebill

Common Name: Eastern Spinebill

Scientific Name: Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris

Native to: Eastern and South-eastern Australia

What does it look like: The Eastern Spinebill is most easily recognised by its long, curved, black beak. Both male and female birds have a white breast, a dark grey/black head and back, and brown patches. However, females have less distinct markings than males.

Diet and Habitat: Like a hummingbird, the Eastern Spinebill hovers in the air and feeds on insects and nectar from flowers. Its long, curved beak is specifically suited to extracting nectar from tubular flowers. Eastern Spinebills can be found throughout the eastern states of Australia. They like dry forests, woodlands (areas with trees that are far apart and lots of grass between the trees), and heathlands (areas with low shrubs and bushes).

STEM Fun Fact: Eastern Spinebills build their nests from small sticks and bark, grasses, and sometimes hair and a spider’s web. Though only the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs (keeping the eggs warm before they hatch), both parents feed the young bird once they hatch.