Rockwarbler

The rockwarbler, is a bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is the only bird species endemic to the mainland of the state of New South Wales in Australia.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Australia (New South Wales)

Typical Environment

Occurs almost exclusively in sandstone landscapes of New South Wales, including the Sydney Basin, Illawarra escarpment, and the Blue Mountains. Favors rocky gorges, cliff-lines, boulder fields, cave entrances, and rock outcrops within dry sclerophyll forests and heathland. Frequently forages around rock shelves near streams and waterfalls. It can persist in reserves and rugged bushland near urban areas where sandstone is prevalent.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.017 kg

Female Weight0.016 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Rockwarbler is the only bird species endemic to the mainland of New South Wales, Australia. It is closely tied to sandstone country, often seen bouncing along rock faces while constantly wagging its long tail. Pairs build intricate, domed nests attached to rock overhangs and cave mouths. Its clear, ringing whistles often echo through gorges and cliff-lines.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and alert, moderately confiding near frequented rock sites

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low bounding flights between rock features

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining year-round territories centered on rock complexes. Monogamous pairs construct domed nests with a side entrance attached to rock overhangs or cave walls, lined with fine plant material. Both parents feed the young and may raise more than one brood in a season.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Delivers clear, ringing whistles and trills that carry well and often echo off cliffs. Contact calls are sharp ticks and metallic chips given while foraging among rocks. Males sing from prominent rock perches during the breeding season.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-brown

Eye Colordark reddish-brown

Plumage

Grey-brown upperparts with a paler face and throat, buff underparts with a warm rufous wash on the flanks and vent. The tail and undertail coverts show rich rufous tones, often emphasized when fanned. Fine, slender bill and relatively long tail frequently wagged.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily takes insects and other small arthropods such as spiders, beetles, and ants. Gleans from rock faces, ledges, and crevices, and picks prey from leaf litter at the base of cliffs. Occasionally hawks a short distance to snatch flying insects and may take a little nectar or seeds opportunistically.

Preferred Environment

Forages on sandstone rock walls, cave mouths, and boulder piles, as well as adjacent forest floor and shrub edges. Often works along watercourses with exposed rock shelves and around cliff bases where insects concentrate.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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Rodrigues parrot

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Rodrigues rail

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Rodrigues scops owl

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