Rufous Scrub-bird Atrichornis rufescens

The Rufous Scrub-bird deserves protection as a living fossil. It is one of Australia’s primitive and relict species, which are similar to fossils from Gondwana, and it is one of the true songbirds that evolved 97 to 65 million years ago. The birds are listed among the World Heritage values of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (CERRA).

The Rufous Scrub Bird is one of two birds of the genus Atrichornis. They are about 18 cm long and resemble a long-tailed wren. Rufous Scrub Bird populations have always been fragmented, isolated and restricted to small patches of thick undergrowth in the forests of Northern NSW and southern Queensland.

Scientists consider upgrading the listing of the bird from vulnerable to endangered. The major threats are believed to be habitat loss though inappropriate burning and logging, and predation by feral predators like cats, dogs and foxes.

The Rufous Scrub Bird is one of the most difficult birds to observe, and current data on species range and population size are changing is essential for any future recovery action.

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife funded ongoing surveys and monitoring for the species in NSW national parks, involving scientists as well as local volunteers.

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