A rare coastal bird

Rufous Bristlebird - Dasyornis broadbentii

Some of our visitors to Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Moggs Creek or Eastern View may not be aware that one of Victoria's rare birds, the Rufous Bristlebird, lives on our coast. 'Unspectacular in appearance, it looks rather like the introduced female Blackbird but is more reddish-brown.

It thrives where it has access to cliff top heathland, especially steep densely-vegetated slopes where feral predators cannot penetrate. These conditions prevail at Aireys Inlet, near the lighthouse, despite the presence of houses and people. It has disappeared from other places where it was recorded after the fires

As it feeds on the ground and nests close to it, it is at the mercy of cats and foxes, Currawongs are also guilty of nest predation. The only nest I have been able to follow right through lost its two nestlings almost ready to fledge. At first light after a stormy night, a Grey Currawong lurked in the vicinity of the nest. It may not have been the villain but I swear it was doing the equivalent of licking its lips.

We have the responsibility to care for this bird which is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act meaning that it is in decline and prone to future threats that are likely to result in its extinction.

The Rufous Bristlebird call is extremely strong and carrying: chip, chip, chip, chip, chowee chew, the last three notes repeated by the female.

scouce: Anglesea, a Natural History Study