Tasmanian Scrubwren

1. Dark olive-brown upperparts with russet on back and rump, and dull cream underparts with grey streaking.

2. Subtle facial markings including a faint white eyebrow and a black shoulder patch with white edges.

3. Pale yellow to orange-buff eyes and a generally muted overall appearance compared to mainland scrubwrens.

These birds primarily feed on insects including beetles, ants, flies, caterpillars, and cockroach eggs, but also consume some seeds. They forage mainly on the ground or in low vegetation, often in pairs or small family groups. Breeding occurs from August to December, with nests built close to or on the ground in dense vegetation. The nests are domed or spherical with a side entrance, constructed from bark, grass, and moss, and lined with feathers or fur. Females lay 2-3 eggs. Typically, pairs breed alone, though helpers likely offspring from previous broods have occasionally been observed assisting with nest care.

Tasmanian Scrubwrens are found throughout Tasmania and on some nearby islands like King Island. They prefer habitats with dense, moist undergrowth such as temperate rainforests, wet and dry forests, coastal shrublands, and paperbark swamps. They are most active at dawn and early morning, often foraging near the ground in leaf litter and low shrubs. Their preference for thick vegetation makes them easier to hear than see, with a characteristic high-pitched, chirpy call.