Rockwarbler

The Rockwarbler, Origma solitaria, presents itself as a modestly sized bird, measuring approximately 14 cm in length and tipping the scales at around 14 grams. Its plumage is a tapestry of dark grey-brown, with wings of a deeper shade and underparts that hint at a red-brown hue. The face and forehead are brushed with cinnamon, while the throat is a contrasting whitish tone. A distinctive black tail completes its ensemble.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify this species, look for its square tail and the white patch on its throat, which set it apart from the Pilotbird. Both adult males and females don similar attire, while juveniles sport a more subdued palette with a greyer chin and a reddish tint to the throat.

Habitat

The Rockwarbler favors woodlands and gullies, particularly where sandstone or limestone rocks are exposed, and water is in proximity.

Distribution

This bird is a true New South Welshman, found exclusively within a 240 km radius of Sydney, central eastern New South Wales.

Behaviour

The Rockwarbler is often observed in a solitary state, pairs, or small family groups, engaging in erratic hops over rocky terrain and flicking its tail as it goes. It is a bird that prefers to keep its flights low and swift, seldom venturing far from the ground.

Song & Calls

The Rockwarbler's vocal repertoire includes a shrill "chis-sick" during breeding season, a rasping contact call, and an alarm call that mirrors the contact call but in a singular note. It also possesses a scold call akin to that of scrubwrens and is an adept mimic, capable of imitating a variety of other avian species.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from August to January, with the Rockwarbler crafting a hanging nest within sandstone caves. The nest is a marvel of natural engineering, utilizing grasses, roots, bark, and moss, all bound together with spider web. Females lay clutches of three eggs, which require around 23 days of incubation.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous diet is the Rockwarbler's preference, though it does not shy away from seeds. It forages primarily on the ground or in lower branches, occasionally hovering to snatch prey. Ants, wasps, beetles, and butterfly and moth larvae are among its favored insects, with panic grass and wheat as acceptable grains.

Conservation status

The Rockwarbler is currently listed as Least Concern, with much of its habitat protected within national parks, shielding it from the brunt of habitat loss.