Rufous Bristlebird

1. Rufous crown and ear patches with a prominent white eyering

2. Long, uneven-tipped tail often held raised

3. Loud, melodious call described as “cheep-cheep-chew-chew-ee-e,” reminiscent of a squeaky wheel

Rufous Bristlebirds are ground foragers, feeding mainly on invertebrates found in leaf litter. They breed from August to January, constructing large, domed nests close to the ground in dense vegetation, often using sword-sedge, rushes, grass, and twigs. Females lay two dull-pinkish, blotched eggs and incubate them alone, though only one chick often survives. Both sexes sing, and pairs are known for their duets. The species is a poor flier, preferring to run with its head down through cover.

Rufous Bristlebirds inhabit dense coastal shrublands and heathlands from Port Fairy in Victoria to the Murray River mouth in South Australia, including the Otway Ranges. They prefer areas with a dense understory, often within 2 km of the coast, but can also be found up to 4 km inland in sheltered gullies and forests with thick vegetation. The species is most active and detectable during early mornings and late afternoons, sometimes venturing onto tracks, lawns, or car parks adjacent to shrubland.