Slaty-backed Thornbill

The Slaty-backed Thornbill (<em>Acanthiza robustirostris</em>) is a small passerine in the family Acanthizidae, found in the arid interior of Australia. Detailed plumage and behavioral descriptions of this species are limited in the available literature. Specific habitat associations are not recorded in the available data; members of this family in arid regions typically occupy mulga scrub and chenopod shrublands. The species constructs a spherical or retort-shaped nest (SP type); clutch size typically ranges from 2 to 3 eggs. The Slaty-backed Thornbill is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Further study of its ecology, particularly its foraging strategies and vocal repertoire in arid Australian environments, would enhance knowledge of this understudied species.