Yes, a very remarkable observation indeed Liam,
I note HANZAB says records of flocks are rare, but that small flocks, exceptionally up to 12 birds, have been observed, usually in the non-breeding season. It also says they roost at night, in shrubs in understorey within territory, usually as a pair.
Interesting to me is how they are all very close together which contrasts with the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Red-rumped Parrots, Satin Bowerbirds and Magpie-larks which I’m more familiar with, as they seem to do it singly or in pairs, even though there
may be multiple birds in the roost shrub/tree/site.
Regards
Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 8:14 PM
Subject: [canberrabirds] Re: Large group of roosting Brown Thornbills
Thank you all for the feedback. As a young birder, I am especially appreciative of the advice. We will head back out at dusk over the next few nights and try to see them again.
Regards
Liam
From: Tony and Tash Manderson <>
Sent: Wednesday, 8 August 2018 4:53 PM
To: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] Large group of roosting Brown Thornbills
Hi all,
An interesting observation in my backyard yesterday was a large group of roosting Brown Thornbills. In the photo (https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47719621), there are 17 birds (we think), but in total there were 24 in this group. Is this a normal observation
for this species? They are commonly seen in my yard, but usually only a few at a time.
