Mallee emu-wren

Overview

Wikipedia

The mallee emu-wren is a species of bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is endemic to Australia.

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Distribution

Region

Murray–Mallee of southern Australia

Typical Environment

Occurs in semi-arid mallee eucalypt woodlands with a dense understory of spinifex (Triodia scariosa and related species) on sandy soils. It favors long-unburnt, mature spinifex with contiguous cover, often near mallee-heath mosaics and dune fields. Habitat is naturally patchy and becomes highly fragmented after fire, which the species is slow to recolonize. It keeps close to the ground within hummocks and adjacent low shrubs, avoiding open areas.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 300 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size12–16 cm

Wing Span14–18 cm

Male Weight0.006 kg

Female Weight0.0055 kg

Life Expectancy4 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The mallee emu-wren is a tiny, shy wren with an exceptionally long, filamentous tail that resembles an emu’s feathers, giving the group its name. It lives almost exclusively within dense spinifex (Triodia) hummocks in mallee eucalypt country and is highly sensitive to intense wildfire. Males show a wash of sky-blue on the throat and chest, while females are duller and lack the blue. Its weak flight and strong preference for dense cover mean it rarely moves far from suitable patches of long-unburnt spinifex.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

skulking and shy

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, weak low flights between cover

Social Behavior

Typically found in pairs or small family groups within a territory centered on dense spinifex. Nests are domed and placed low within hummocks, offering concealment from predators and harsh conditions. Breeding occurs in the cooler months following rainfall, with both adults attentive to nest concealment and care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A thin, high-pitched series of tsee and tzip notes, often delivered from within cover. Males add soft, tinkling trills during breeding displays; calls can be hard to locate due to their ventriloquial quality.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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