Tasmanian Scrubwren, Sericornis humilis
Photograph by Alex Dudley
Description
The endemic Tasmanian Scrubwren, sometimes also known as the Brown Scrubwren, is a small (to 130mm), dark olive-brown bird with grey-white streaked throat and pale yellow eyes with a black centre. It is very similar in size and shape to the White-browed Scrubwren, Sericornis frontalis, and indeed was formerly considered to be a subspecies of S. frontalis.
Habitat
The Tasmanian Scrubwren is confined to mainland Tasmania and Bass Strait islands where it prefers areas with dense vegetation, such as wet forests. It is usually
seen on or close to the ground.
Diet
Tasmanian Scrubwrens usually eat insects, but occasionally eat seeds. They often forage in pairs.
Breeding
The nest is domed with
a rounded side entrance. It is loosely built of bark, twigs, grasses and leaves and lined with feathers or fur and located on or close to the
ground in grass tussocks or thick undergrowth. The female lays 2-3 eggs that are pale purple with brown spots.
Call
The call is a noisy "zizz" followed by a repetitive "see-choo, see choo".
Distribution
Found in suitable habitat throughout Tasmania.