The yellow-throated scrubwren is a passerine in the family Acanthizidae that is found in parts of eastern coastal Australia. It was formerly placed in the genus Sericornis, but is now the only species in the genus Neosericornis.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in humid forests along the eastern seaboard of Australia, especially coastal and montane rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests. It favors dense, shaded understories, vine tangles, and gullies, frequently near creeks and waterfalls. The species also uses riparian thickets and ferny gullies where leaf litter and low foliage provide foraging sites. It avoids open woodland and heavily cleared landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-throated scrubwren is a small Australian passerine and the sole member of the genus Neosericornis, having been split from Sericornis. It skulkily works through dense undergrowth and streamside tangles, its bright yellow throat standing out in the gloom. Nests are typically domed and placed low, often near water, with both adults tending the young.
In Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The scrubwrens by Neville William Cayley, including the yellow-throated scrubwrens on the bottom left.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties moving quietly through the understory. They build domed nests low to the ground or overhanging water, concealed in dense vegetation. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding; pairs maintain small, well-defined territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched tsee notes and sharp chips given from cover. The song is a series of rapid, ringing trills and tinkling phrases that carry surprisingly well in rainforest gullies.
