White-browed Scrubwren

The White-browed Scrubwren, Sericornis frontalis, is a small, active passerine bird endemic to Australia. It is characterized by its predominantly brown plumage, pale eyes, and the distinctive white eyebrow from which it derives its name. This bird measures between 11 to 14 centimeters in length, with subtle variations among its subspecies.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-browed Scrubwren, look for its olive brown upperparts, which may appear greyish or dark brown depending on the subspecies. The bird's white throat may have faint streaks or heavy spotting. Its ear coverts vary from grey to black or brownish. The underparts are generally pale, with some subspecies showing a buff coloration. The thin bill is notably black. Males and females can be distinguished in the field; males typically have blackish lores, while females have pale grey.

Habitat

This species thrives in forested or scrubby areas rich in undergrowth, which provides cover and foraging opportunities. It is commonly found in bushland around Sydney and the New England Tablelands.

Distribution

The White-browed Scrubwren is distributed along coastal eastern Australia, from the New South Wales-Queensland border to Adelaide in South Australia, and north to the Atherton Tableland in coastal Queensland. It is also present in Tasmania and Bass Strait islands.

Behaviour

The White-browed Scrubwren is predominantly insectivorous and can be elusive due to its preference for dense undergrowth. However, it is a vocal species, often revealing its presence through its calls. It is known to live in small groups and exhibits sedentary behavior.

Song & Calls

The bird's call is a distinctive, high-pitched "ts-cheer" or a repetitive "ch-weip, ch-weip, ch-weip," which can be heard echoing through its habitat.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from June or July to November or December. The White-browed Scrubwren constructs a dome-like nest near the ground, using dried grasses, leaves, sticks, bark, ferns, and feathers. The clutch typically consists of two or three eggs, which are brownish-violet to brownish-white with darker spots or blotches. The Tasmanian scrubwren, a related species, lays larger eggs.

Similar Species

The Tasmanian Scrubwren (S. humilis) and the Spotted Scrubwren (S. maculatus) were once considered subspecies but are now recognized as distinct species. They can be differentiated by size, egg dimensions, and plumage details.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the White-browed Scrubwren is primarily composed of insects. Its foraging behavior is adapted to the dense undergrowth of its habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the White-browed Scrubwren as Least Concern, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.