Rufous Scrub-bird - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Atrichornis rufescens

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 10 Nov 2023

Description

The Rufous Scrub-bird Atrichornis rufescens is a stocky, ground-dwelling bird of moderate size (body length about 17cm). Adults are a scaly-patterned dark rufous-brown, with a light throat. The tail is long and rounded and eyes dark brown. Scrub-birds generally remain on or near the ground in very dense vegetation (or other cover such as woody debris or litter) and as a consequence extremely difficult to see. However, their presence is readily detected by the frequent and loud calls of the males. These include territorial calls (repeated sharp high-pitched chip, chip...) as well as mimicry. There are two subspecies with substantially differing calls.

Distribution

Rufous Scrub-birds are endemic to south-eastern Australia. The northern subspecies (A. r. rufescens) occurs between the Mistake Range in Queensland and the Gibraltar Range in northern NSW. The southern subspecies (A. r. ferrieri) is confined to NSW, with a patchy distribution from the Dorrigo Plateau to Barrington Tops. The species is now generally only found in high-rainfall areas above 600m in elevation, but formerly occurred in the lowlands of the Richmond and Tweed Rivers.

Habitat and ecology

Rufous Scrub-birds are now confined to high-altitude (above 600m elevation) subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforests, and wet sclerophyll forests.
The species formerly occurred in some lower altitude forests in far north-eastern NSW, but was presumably lost as a result of clearing following European settlement.
Rufous Scrub-birds spend most of their time foraging in deep, moist litter beneath a very dense layer of vegetation and/or woody debris.They are active foragers, scuttling through litter using their head and bill to toss leaves aside while searching for food such as small invertebrates (including snails and insects).
They breed from early spring to summer but very little is known of their breeding behaviour because they are so shy and cryptic, and their habitat is so dense. Male calling peaks in the breeding season, but continues throughout the year.
The nest is a domed structure built in dense vegetation on or close to the ground.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Risk of local extinctions because many populations and sub-populations are small and isolated.
Disturbance to habitat from inappropriate forestry activities.
In very dry conditions, wildfire and other potentially inappropriare fires are a threat to small habitat patches that are otherwise too moist to burn. Refugia may become scarce following a widespread wildfire or from a series of smaller fires.
Road/track works may impact Rufous Scrub-birds where they are utilising dense roadside vegetation. In addition to direct roadworks, weeding of these areas must be carried out sensitively.
The Ruous Scrub-bird occurs in a series of high-altitude relictual populations that may be impacted by rising temperatures and/or other effects of climate change such as periodic drought.
Uncertainty about the impacts of predation by feral predators and fire.
Insufficient knowledge of the status of populations.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Protect all habitat known to be occupied by Rufous Scrub-birds, and potential habitat located close to occupied habitat.
Protect habitat from inappropriate forestry activities.
Protect habitat from wildfire and inappropriate fire regimes.
Protect roadside habitat from inappropriate road works and insensitve weed control.
Monitor populations so that decline can be reliably detected.
Undertake research into (i) the potential impacts of climate change on the species (ii) the identification of potential refugia.

Information sources

Ferrier, S. (1985) Habitat requirements of a rare species, the Rufous Scrub-bird. Pp 241-248 in Keast, A., Recher, H.F., Ford, H. and Saunders, D. (eds.) Birds of Eucalypt Forests and Woodlands: Ecology, Conservation, Management. (RAOU and Surrey Beatty and Sons, Melbourne and Sydney)
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) (2001) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 5: Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
Taylor, J. and Butchart, S. (2012) The IUCN Red List of threatened species - Atrichornis rufescens.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Ebor Basalts	Known	Above 600 m altitude
New England Tablelands	Northeast Forest Lands	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Carrai Plateau	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Chaelundi	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Comboyne Plateau	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	Above 600 m altitude
NSW North Coast	Washpool	Known	Above 600 m altitude
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None