Thornbill

/θˈɔːnbɪl/

/θˈoːɹnbɪl/

[noun]

Thornbill

[NOUN]

a small passerine bird with a compact size, short tail, and distinctive spiky bill

What is a "thornbill"?

A thornbill is a small passerine bird native to Australia and nearby regions, characterized by its compact size, short tail, and distinctive spiky bill. With its subtle coloring and intricate patterns, the thornbill often blends seamlessly with its forested habitat. Despite its small size, it is an energetic and agile bird, constantly on the move as it flits from branch to branch in search of insects and nectar. Known for its melodic and varied song, the thornbill fills the air with its sweet, high-pitched notes, adding a touch of musicality to the natural surroundings.

Examples

1. Brown thornbills are cute little birds native to eastern Australia and Tasmania.

2. And that gives the wee thornbills enough time to jump out of their nest and hide in the dense leaves that surround them.

3. And that’s because they’re trying to scare off a totally different predator, like a pied currawong, which attacks the thornbill’s nestlings.

4. And while you could whip out something about how lying is only natural, because dogs and moths and thornbills lie, too, you’re still probably going to get in trouble.