The spotted scrubwren is a bird species native to coastal southern Australia, from Adelaide westwards to Shark Bay in Western Australia. It was formerly considered conspecific with the white-browed scrubwren, and is known to hybridize with that species where their ranges overlap in the Adelaide area. Genetic analysis in a 2018 study of the family found that this taxon was more divergent from the white-browed scrubwren than the Tasmanian or Atherton scrubwrens and hence proposed its reclassification as a species. It was reclassified as a species in 2019.
Region
Southern and southwestern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Adelaide region west through coastal South Australia to southwestern Western Australia as far as Shark Bay. It frequents dense understory in coastal heathlands, mallee shrublands, and eucalypt woodland edges. Birds also use tea-tree thickets, mangrove fringes, and dense garden hedges where cover is continuous. They stay close to the ground, moving through leaf litter and low shrubs. Human-modified landscapes are used when ample shrub cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spotted scrubwren is a small acanthizid endemic to coastal southern and southwestern Australia. It was split from the white-browed scrubwren after genetic work in 2018–2019 showed deeper divergence than other scrubwren splits. It can hybridize with the white-browed scrubwren where their ranges meet around Adelaide. A skulking understory bird, it is often detected by its scolding calls and habit of flicking its tail.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups that skulk through dense understory. Pairs maintain territories year-round and sometimes receive help from previous offspring at nests. The nest is a domed structure placed low in dense shrubs or tussocks. Breeding occurs in the austral spring–summer with 2–3 eggs typical.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls include sharp scolds and harsh churrs given from cover. The simple song is a series of thin, high-pitched phrases and trills, often delivered in short bursts. Duetting between pair members can occur during territory defense.
