The Australian logrunner is a species of bird that is endemic to eastern Australia where it uses unique foraging techniques and adaptations to search for its food on the floors of temperate, subtropical, or tropical moist lowland forests in south-eastern Australia. Until 2002, it was widely considered to be conspecific with the New Guinea logrunner, but studies showed the two differ significantly, both genetically and vocally.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests along the Great Dividing Range of southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. It favors dense understory with abundant leaf litter, fallen logs, and vine tangles. Territories are typically along forested gullies, creek lines, and sheltered slopes where moisture retains deep litter. The species is predominantly terrestrial, rarely venturing into open areas, and relies on intact forest floors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Australian logrunner is a ground-dwelling songbird that braces on its stiff tail and powerfully sweeps leaf litter sideways to uncover invertebrates. Males have a white throat while females show a rich rufous-orange throat, making the sexes easy to tell apart. Pairs maintain permanent territories and often perform antiphonal duets. Formerly lumped with the New Guinea logrunner, it is now recognized as a distinct species based on genetic and vocal differences.
A female logrunner collecting moss during construction of a nest
A male logrunner foraging on the forest floor
A pair of eggs from the Australian logrunner
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier, prefers to run through understory
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups holding year-round territories. Nests are domed structures placed low in dense cover near the ground. Pairs often coordinate movements and engage in duet singing during territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing series of sharp notes and trills, often delivered as coordinated male–female duets. Contact calls are quick, piercing chips given while moving through dense leaf litter.
