Mallee Emu-wren

Photo by Geoff Jones
Pink Lakes, Victoria, Australia, January 2009

Stipiturus mallee

Identification

Both sexes show long, loose, tail that is mostly held up. Upperside is striped but crown is plain rufous. Underside buff, but in male with bluish throat area, chin, and sides of head. Ear coverts are filely striped black and white in both sexes.

Distribution

Endemic to Australia: Victoria, South Australia

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species¹.

Habitat

Spinifex or porcupine grass areas.

Behaviour

Skulking, usually hiding low or running off with wings stabilizing

References

1. Clements, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view
2. Pizzey, G. & Knight, F. 1997. Birds of Australia (Collins Field Guide). HarperCollins Publishers, London. ISBN 0-00-220132-1

External Links

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