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  1. Species
  2. ›
  3. Meliphagidae
  4. ›
  5. Acanthorhynchus
  6. ›
  7. Western Spinebill
Western Spinebill
Photo · no rights reserved

BirdUp · Species

Western Spinebill

Acanthorhynchus superciliosusGould, 1837

Updated 11 June 2026

Origin: Endemic
Order
PASSERIFORMES
Family
Meliphagidae
Genus
Acanthorhynchus

At a glance

The Western Spinebill, endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Origin
Endemic
Best seen
Year-round
Commonness
Endemic
  • Identification
  • Where
  • When
  • Voice
  • Behaviour
  • Gallery

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The western spinebill is a honeyeater found in the heath and woodland of south-western Australia. Ranging between 12–16 centimetres (4.7–6.3 in) long, it weighs around 10 grams (0.35 oz). It has a black head, gray back and wings, with a red band behind its neck and from its throat to its breast. Its curved bill is long and slender.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Western Spinebill?

The Western Spinebill is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

04 · Voice

What it sounds like

Call

A.J. Anderson · Aubin Grove, Perth WA, Australia

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

6 photos

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02 · Where

Where to find it

Where does the Western Spinebill live in Australia?

The Western Spinebill is endemic to Australia, recorded across 9 of Australia’s bioregions.

BreedingSouth-west WA (south-west Australia)

Distribution from BirdUp Australia community data

Legend

  • Vagrant
  • Resident

8 regions recorded