Hall's Babbler
A species of Australo-papuan Babblers Scientific name : Pomatostomus halli Genus : Australo-papuan Babblers
Hall's Babbler, A species of Australo-papuan Babblers
Botanical name: Pomatostomus halli
Genus: Australo-papuan Babblers
Content
Description General Info
Description
Hall's babbler is medium in size (19 cm-21 cm) and identified by its thick white eyebrows and a white 'bib' from chin to mid-breast which is sharply demarcated from the brown lower breast to belly. The tail feathers are tipped white, with the amount of white decreasing from the outermost to innermost feather, where most birds lack white tips on the central pair of feathers; this pattern creates distinctive white 'corners' to the fanned tail which is conspicuous in flight. The legs and feet are dark grey. The bill is curved and the iris is dark brown. As with other species of Australo-Papuan babbler, Hall's babbler is usually observed in small groups. The species is sexually dimorphic and sexually monochromatic. Juveniles are only distinguishable from adults for only a short time after fledging juveniles, during this time they have a shorter all-black, shorter and less curved bill and conspicuous yellow rictal flange and palate.
Size
21 cm
Feeding Habits
Hall's Babbler primarily consume insects, supplemented by other invertebrates. They exhibit group foraging behaviors, scouring bark, dead wood, and occasionally branches. Flocks maintain cohesion through vocalizations while foraging on the ground or in trees.
Habitat
Hall's Babbler predominantly resides in open, tall woodlands and shrublands rich in species such as Acacia, often found in stony gulleys or plains. It has a preference for environments featuring trees including mulga, cypress pine, and eucalypt, with a notable inclination for areas exceeding 70% canopy cover, consisting of moderately tall trees and minimal shrub undergrowth. Though uncommon, hall's Babbler may also inhabit grasslands with occasional trees or shrubs.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
Hall's babbler is found in semi-arid and arid regions of eastern Australia and prefers tall Acacia-dominated shrub lands, usually mulga (Acacia aneura). Occasionally reports are made of sightings in other arid woodlands or arid shrub lands. It has been sighted as far north as Winton and Boulia, as west as McGregor and Grey Ranges, and south to Mootwingee and Brewarrina and east to Longreach-Idalia National Park – Cunnamulla.
Species Status
Commonwealth status: not listed State of New South Wales: vulnerable State of Queensland: least concern Threats include habitat loss through clearing, habitat degradation through pastoralism and potentially predation by foxes and cats. Recovery recommendations include; Reduce stock intensity or exclude grazing in some areas to allow vegetation to recover Retention of grasslands, including the full cycle of grass development such as seed set and tussock formation Retention of understory shrubs continuing to complete their life cycle Prevent the clearing of habitat Control foxes, feral cats, rabbits and feral goats
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Australo-papuan Genus
Australo-papuan Babblers Species
Hall's Babbler