The chirruping wedgebill is a medium-sized member of the genus Psophodes, which consists or four to five songbirds endemic to Australia. Commonly found in low shrublands in south-eastern inland Australia, the species is distinguished by its distinctive, chirruping call. The chirruping wedgebill and chiming wedgebill were considered to be a single species until as late as 1973, when they were separated due to marked differences in their calls.
Region
Southeastern inland Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid to semi-arid shrublands and mallee across inland South Australia, northwestern Victoria, and far western New South Wales. It favors chenopod communities such as saltbush–bluebush, acacia and mallee scrub, and samphire around saline flats. The species keeps close to dense, low shrubs where it forages near the ground and finds cover. It is uncommon in heavily grazed or cleared country, persisting best where shrub layers remain intact.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy, ground-oriented songbird is endemic to inland southeastern Australia and is best detected by its distinctive, antiphonal “chirruping” duet. It was long lumped with the chiming wedgebill but was split in 1973 due to clear differences in vocalizations. Pairs are strongly territorial and often remain in the same patch of shrubland year-round.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups that maintain year-round territories. Pairs perform coordinated duets and remain close to dense cover. Nesting occurs low in shrubs; both adults share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A distinctive, repetitive chirruping series delivered as an antiphonal duet between mates, with sharp notes followed by rolling trills. Calls carry well in open shrubland and are often the best way to detect the species.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a slight, erectable crest; long, graduated tail often carried cocked. Subtle streaking or mottling on the breast and flanks may be visible at close range.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling and low-vegetation invertebrates such as beetles, ants, and spiders. It also takes seeds and small berries when available, especially in dry periods. Foraging is largely by gleaning among leaf litter and probing around the bases of shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Most feeding occurs under dense saltbush, bluebush, acacia, and mallee thickets, where cover is close at hand. It also forages along the edges of dry creeklines and around saline flats with samphire.
