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  1. Species
  2. ›
  3. Maluridae
  4. ›
  5. Stipiturus
  6. ›
  7. Mallee Emu-wren
Mallee Emu-wren
Photo · (c) Andrew Allen, some rights reserved (CC BY)

BirdUp · Species

Mallee Emu-wren

Stipiturus malleeCampbell, AJ, 1908

Updated 21 March 2026

Conservation status: EndangeredOrigin: Endemic
Order
PASSERIFORMES
Family
Maluridae
Genus
Stipiturus

At a glance

The Mallee Emu-wren is a tiny bird, about 13–14 cm long, listed as Endangered and endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size
13–14 cm
Conservation status
Endangered
Origin
Endemic
Best seen
Year-round
Commonness
Rare
  • Identification
  • Where
  • When
  • Behaviour

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Mallee Emu-wren look like?

The Mallee Emu-wren is a tiny bird, about 13–14 cm long.

The mallee emu-wren is a species of bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is endemic to Australia.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length
13–14 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

  • Displays secretive, mouse-like behavior, skulking deep within dense cover and darting between vegetation hummocks with its tail held at a jaunty, cocked angle.

flight

  • Flight is weak and labored, with the long, filamentous tail trailing noticeably behind as the bird flutters low over the vegetation.

plumage

  • Adult males feature a striking sky-blue throat and chest against a rufous crown, while females lack blue and show prominent white patches in front of the eyes.

size_and_shape

  • The silhouette is defined by a tiny body and an exceptionally long tail made of six wispy, emu-like feathers, with the central two feathers being the longest.

voice

  • Listen for very thin, high-pitched, insect-like trills and soft 'chip' contact calls that are easily missed in windy conditions.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Mallee Emu-wren?

The Mallee Emu-wren is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Mallee Emu-wren eat?

The Mallee Emu-wren feeds on seeds and terrestrial invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks.

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02 · Where

Where to find it

Where does the Mallee Emu-wren live in Australia?

The Mallee Emu-wren is endemic to Australia, recorded across 6 of Australia’s bioregions.

BreedingFar east SA and north-west VIC (south-east Australia)

Distribution from BirdUp Australia community data

Legend

  • Resident
  • Vagrant

5 regions recorded