Chestnut-rumped Heathwren

The Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, a small and elusive bird, graces the Australian bushland with its presence. Its back is adorned with olive-brown plumage, while its namesake chestnut rump and tail coverts provide a striking contrast. The bird's underparts are a blend of streaked brown and white on the chest, transitioning to grey-buff on the belly and rear flanks. A distinctive dark band and white tip mark the usually erect tail. Both sexes boast a subtle white eyebrow above their yellow eyes, and their bills, legs, and feet are a muted grey. This avian jewel measures a modest 14 cm in length.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, look for the reddish-brown rump and tail coverts, the streaked chest, and the dark subterminal band on the tail. The bird's white eyebrow and yellow eyes are also key features. While there are subtle differences between subspecies, these are not readily distinguishable in the field.

Habitat

The Chestnut-rumped Heathwren favors the heaths of coastal, mountain, and hinterland areas, as well as the dense undergrowth of forests and woodlands. It thrives in temperate and subtropical environments.

Distribution

This species is endemic to southeastern Australia, with its range extending from the Granite Belt of southeast Queensland through eastern New South Wales, Victoria, and southeast South Australia. It is found inland to the Grampians and Bendigo region in Victoria, and as far as the Warrumbungles and Temora in New South Wales. Populations are also scattered across the Flinders and Mt Lofty Ranges, and the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia.

Behaviour

The Chestnut-rumped Heathwren is typically shy and reclusive, except during the breeding season from July to November. During this time, both sexes may sing from a bush perch, though they remain partially hidden. They are sedentary and considered uncommon within their range.

Song & calls

The bird's song is a melodious and varied warbling, incorporating chi-chi-tu-weet and kwe-reep among other notes, often mimicking the calls of other birds. A harsh or scolding zeet may be uttered when alarmed or to maintain contact.

Breeding

Nests are domed or globular structures built on or near the ground in tussocks or dense shrubs, appearing somewhat untidy. They are crafted from dry grass stems, bark fiber, and rootlets. The female typically incubates a clutch of three to four salmon-pink, lightly chocolate-brown freckled eggs for 14-16 days.

Diet and Feeding

The Chestnut-rumped Heathwren forages alone, in pairs, or in small groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Its diet is composed of arthropods such as flies, spiders, moths, larvae, ants, cicadas, and cockroach egg-sacs, as well as seeds from various grasses.

Conservation status

Despite a declining population, the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it is listed as Endangered in South Australia and Vulnerable in Victoria, with habitat fragmentation, loss, and predation by introduced species posing significant threats.