Mallee Emu-wren

Stipiturus malleeCampbell, AJ, 1908

EndangeredEndemic

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

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

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.

02 · Where

03 · When

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

05 · Behaviour

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