Large-billed Scrubwren

The Large-billed Scrubwren, Sericornis magnirostra, is a diminutive passerine bird, a member of the Acanthizidae family, and is endemic to the verdant landscapes of eastern Australia. This bird is easily recognized by its longish, black bill that tilts slightly upwards, and its modest size, ranging from 11.5 to 13 cm in length and weighing a mere 10 grams.

Identification Tips

Upon encountering this species, one should note the dark reddish-brown eye set in a pale buff face, and the light grey-brown upperparts with an olive hue. The throat is a pale buffy-white, the belly greyish, and the rump and tail exhibit a light rufous-brown coloration.

Habitat

The Large-billed Scrubwren is a denizen of the denser undergrowth within temperate forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It thrives in the rainforests of the tropics and the wet sclerophyll forests of more temperate areas.

Distribution

This species' range extends from near Cooktown in northern Queensland to the Kinglake and Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, Victoria. It is divided among three subspecies, each occupying distinct areas within the overall range.

Behaviour

The Large-billed Scrubwren is a sedentary bird, more commonly observed in the northern parts of its range. It is known to forage in the lower to middle strata of the forest, often in small, sociable flocks.

Song & Calls

While often silent, the Large-billed Scrubwren may occasionally emit a penetrating territorial call of "s-cheer s-cheer," a sharp "chwip-chwip," or a chattering "sip-sip" while foraging.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from July to January, peaking in November and December. The species constructs a rough, domed nest in which to lay a clutch of 3 or 4 eggs. These eggs are dull white to pale purplish-brown, adorned with fine spots at the larger end.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the Large-billed Scrubwren gleans a variety of arthropods from the bark of trees, branches, and debris caught in vines and epiphytes. Its diet includes spiders, ants, wasps, beetles, and lepidopteran larvae.

Conservation status

With a wide distribution and a stable population, the Large-billed Scrubwren is classified as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a species that is currently not at risk of extinction.