Bird guideEastern Bristlebird

In late 2021, it was estimated that there were only about 2,500 of the species left in the wild, existing in isolated populations in eastern New South Wales and southern Queensland .

⚠️Endangered
🚫Sensitive species — location data may be restricted
🌿Endemic to Australia

At a glance

FamilyBristlebirds
SizeMedium
RarityUncommon
HabitatSurveys have found the bird prefers to live in small, localised populations, and prefer to build their nests on the ground in areas of dense, clumped grasses.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from September to November.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Han Buckx

Range map

Range map

69visible hotspots
2934visible records
2states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Mottled grayish brown, paler below, with red eye, reddish wing, pale throat, faint pale supercilium, and long, graduated rusty tail. Dark bristles around bill give this species its name.

Behavior

Runs around on the ground in forested areas with dense understory, as well as in coastal heathland, and rarely seen in flight.

Regional timing

New South Wales
Peak: September to November1,965 records
Victoria
Peak: October to November622 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: February to April328 records
Queensland
Peak: May13 records
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