Rufous Fieldwren - 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: Calamanthus campestris

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 12 Jun 2009

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

The Rufous Fieldwren is a small (120 mm), skulking, cock-tailed, wren-like bird of inland shrublands. It is rufous-toned in colour, paler below, and finely streaked with brown all over. The cocked tail has a whitish tip. The song is strong and whirring (though possibly thinner than the closely related Striated Fieldwren), with individuals usually calling from the tops of bushes. Can be confused with other streaked shrub- and ground-dwelling species, such as Little Grassbird, Shy Heathwren and Australian Pipit, though habitat, plumage and behaviour should all be used to confirm identification. The call is similar to the Redthroat.

The Fieldwren has been split into two geographically separated species - the coastal Striated Fieldwren C. fuliginosus and the inland Rufous Fieldwren C. campestris. Both are now listed as threatened in NSW and so each now has a separate profile.

Distribution

The taxonomy of the Fieldwrens is complicated, but currently eight subspecies are recognised for the Rufous Fieldwren (though the subspecies montanellus is sometimes considered a separate species - the Western Fieldwren). These are distributed through arid and in the west coastal southern Australia. In NSW most records are of the subspecies isabellinus and are centred in the Broken Hill/Mutawintji/Fowlers Gap area. There are records near the Murray River, but these remain unconfirmed (surveys near Lake Victoria have recorded Redthroats rather than Fieldwrens at the known sites) though suitable habitat probably does occur. These records may refer to the subspecies campestris which otherwise occurs between extreme north west Victoria (Lake Tyrrell) and eastern Western Australia (Balladonia). Overall the limits of this species' distribution in NSW is poorly known, and it is potentially under-surveyed.

Habitat and ecology

Forages by working through the undergrowth and over the ground, cock-tailed and hopping, feeding on insects and seeds.
Often hops to the top of a bush to investigate any disturbance; males sing in territorial advertisement from such vantage points.
Inhabits low shrublands, particularly saltbush and bluebush communities, and also areas around inland saline lakes.
Breeding may be in response to rain, but eggs known from NSW between July and December.
Nest in a globular or oval structure made of fine grass and other vegetation, usually placed on the ground under low shrubs or grass tussocks. Usually lays three eggs, but clutches of two or four have also been recorded.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Limited knowledge of distribution and habitat requirements limits ability to determine and respond to threats.
Overgrazing from goats impacting habitat structure, condition, and resource availability (shelter and food).
As a ground-dwelling species, likely to be predated by foxes and cats.
Overgrazing from both domestic stock (e.g. Dorper and Merino sheep) and goats (both feral and commercial) impacting habitat structure, condition, and resource availability (shelter and food).
Increased droughts from climate change altering rainfall patterns and impacting vegetation structure and condition, resulting in lower habitat suitability and resilience to threats (e.g. grazing pressure).
Threat of habitat loss and increased pests from land clearing for proposed mine construction and associated infrastructure.
Lack of knowledge of the species ecology limits ability to understand its threats and management requirements.
Monitoring is required to assess the severity of threats.
Predation of individual birds, nests, and eggs by cats or foxes

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

Undertake surveys to identify new populations and the habitat requirements of the species.
Manage total grazing pressure at known sites to retain suitable habitat structure.
Undertake fox and cat control in suitable habitat to reduce the impact of these predators.

Information sources

Christidis, L. and Boles, W.E. (2008) Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria)
Higgins, P.J. and Peter, J.M. (eds.) (2002) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 6: Pardalotes to shrike-thrushes. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
NSW Scientific Committee (2008) Rufous Fieldwren Calamanthus campestris - Review of Current Information in NSW.
NSW Scientific Committee (2009) Striated Fieldwren and Rufous Fieldwren - minor amendments.
Schodde, R. and Mason, I.J. (1999) The Directory of Australian Birds. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Known	None
Mulga Lands	White Cliffs Plateau	Known	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Ocean - Other State	Southern Australian Coastal Waters	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Other State	VIC	Known	None
Riverina	Murray Scroll Belt	Predicted	None
Riverina	Robinvale Plains	Known	None

Images

Rufous Fieldwren Image 1 of 4.
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