The rufous bristlebird is one of three extant species of bristlebirds. It is endemic to Australia and three subspecies have been described, from coastal south-western Western Australia, south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria. Its natural habitat is coastal shrublands and heathlands. It is threatened by habitat destruction.
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in coastal shrublands and heathlands of south-western Western Australia (historically), south-eastern South Australia, and south-western Victoria. It favors dense, long-unburnt coastal heath, tea-tree and banksia thickets, dune swales, and heathy woodland edges. The species keeps close to the ground, using thick understory for cover and nesting. Fragmentation, frequent fires, and invasive predators constrain its distribution and movement between habitat patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous bristlebird is a shy, ground-dwelling songbird that rarely flies, preferring to sprint between dense cover. It gets its name from the prominent bristles at the base of its bill, which help it probe leaf litter. Populations are fragmented along the southern Australian coast and are highly sensitive to frequent fires and habitat clearing. The western subspecies (D. b. litoralis) is believed extinct.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
reluctant flier with short rapid wingbeats low over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs holding year-round territories. Likely monogamous, with pairs maintaining close contact through calls. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs or tussocks, well concealed within thick heath.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of clear, repeated phrases that carries through dense vegetation. Pairs often duet, with sharp scolding calls given when disturbed.
