The eastern bristlebird is a species of bird in the bristlebird family, Dasyornithidae. It is endemic to Australia. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, and temperate grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in scattered coastal and near-coastal populations from southeast Queensland through eastern New South Wales to far eastern Victoria. It inhabits dense, low heathlands, sedgelands, shrubby edges of temperate forests, and grassy coastal heaths. Birds favor areas with thick ground cover and a complex understorey, often near swamps or along headlands. After low-intensity fire, they may use regenerating habitat, but frequent or intense fires can eliminate local populations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eastern bristlebird is a shy, ground-dwelling songbird with prominent rictal bristles around the bill that help it sense prey in dense vegetation. It is a poor flier and prefers to run, often remaining hidden in low heath and sedge. Fire regimes and habitat fragmentation are major threats, and careful habitat management is key to its recovery. Its loud, ringing song carries far and is often the first clue to its presence.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that stays low
Social Behavior
Typically found as pairs or solitary individuals holding small territories year-round. Nests are domed and well-concealed in dense grass or sedge close to the ground. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and are highly secretive when nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, clear, ringing series of whistles and phrases that carries over long distances. Also gives sharp ‘tink’ notes and scolding churrs from cover. Males sing prominently at dawn and dusk during the breeding season.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a greyer face, pale throat, and paler buff to greyish underparts; long rounded tail and short wings. Feathers appear soft and plain, with minimal streaking. Prominent rictal bristles at the base of the bill are characteristic.
Diet
Primarily consumes ground-dwelling invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, caterpillars, and other insects. It forages by gleaning and probing among leaf litter and the bases of tussocks. Occasionally takes small seeds or berries, especially when invertebrates are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense heath, sedgeland, and shrubby understorey where it can remain concealed. Often uses track edges, litter-rich patches, and slightly open gaps within otherwise thick vegetation.
