Keeping an ear out for cryptic populations after fire

The 2019–2020 wildfires had catastrophic impacts on livestock, property, vegetation and habitat but what of the wildlife particularly the most elusive species with highly restricted distributions?

The rufous scrub-bird (Atrichornis rufescens) is one such Vulnerable listed species found only in high elevation rainforest on the NSW and South East Qld Coastal ranges.

The impact of the fires on these birds is not known, though efforts to determine their presence, territories and population status are underway through a partnership between Local Land Services (North Coast, Hunter and Northern Tablelands), Birdlife Australia and the NSW Department Planning Industry & Environment – Saving our Species Program.

This important work is funded by the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program.

Rufous Scrub-bird (Atrichornis rufescens) - Fact Facts

  • The Rufous Scrub-bird is a stocky, ground-dwelling bird of moderate size (body length about 17cm).
  • Adults are a scaly-patterned dark rufous-brown, with a light throat.
  • Scrub-birds generally remain on or near the ground in very dense vegetation and as a consequence extremely difficult to see.
  • Their presence is readily detected by the frequent and loud calls of the males. Including territorial calls (repeated sharp high-pitched chip, chip...) as well as mimicry. There are two subspecies with substantially differing calls.
  • Rufous Scrub-birds are now confined to high-altitude subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforests, and wet sclerophyll forests.
  • The species formerly occurred in some lower altitude forests in far north-eastern NSW, but was presumably lost as a result of clearing following European settlement.
  • Rufous Scrub-birds are active foragers, scuttling through litter using their head and bill to toss leaves aside while searching for food such as small invertebrates (including snails and insects).
  • They breed from early spring to summer but very little is known of their breeding behaviour because they are so shy and cryptic, and their habitat is so dense.
  • The nest is a domed structure built in dense vegetation on or close to the ground.

To find out more about action being taken to help protect the Rufous Scrub-bird click this link

Rufus Scrub Bird Photo Supplied by Alan Stuart