Conserving the Grey-crowned Babbler

Protecting a threatened species takes more than individual action, it requires a connected community working together. Across our region, momentum is growing to support the conservation of the Grey-crowned Babbler and to help shape future planning and on-ground actions.

The Grey-crowned Babbler is a distinctive and highly social woodland bird found in parts of inland NSW.

Size: Up to 30cm long

Habitat: Box-Gum and Box-Cypress (pine) woodlands

Diet: Insects foraged from leaf litter and tussock grasses

Social Structure: Lives in cooperative family groups, often up to 15 birds

Nests: Dome-shaped stick nests, commonly built in pines

Breeding Season: July to February, with group members helping raise young

Recent community workshops and conversations across the region have highlighted strong local interest in protecting this iconic woodland bird, with landholders and community members invested in learning about Babbler identification, habitat needs and practical ways to support the bird on their properties.

 The Grey-crowned Babbler is listed as a threatened species in NSW, with habitat loss significantly reducing populations over time. Protecting and restoring Box-Gum and Box-Cypress woodland across private land, roadsides and remnant bushland will be essential for its long-term survival.

While a number of family groups have already been recorded in the region, effective conservation will depend on gaining an understanding of where Babblers are.  

New Grey-crowned Babbler App Launched

 A new Grey-crowned Babbler observations app, developed by Matt Cameron (NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water), has recently been launched.

 The app is an excellent tool for community members to record sightings of Grey-crowned Babblers and their nest/roosts on properties, roadsides and in bushland. These observations are mapped via the app to support future planning and help build a clear picture of Babbler group locations.

 If you see Babblers in your area, we invite you to get involved in sharing your sightings

Log your sightings at https://arcg.is/HajKK

Choose to open the survey in your browser or download the app and get those observations on the map!

 For more information, please contact Corowa District Landcare: admin@corowalandcare.com.au