It may look like just another small, brown bird but if you look closely you will see features such as the short wings, strong legs, and distinct bristles in front of the eyes that are perfect adaptations for living amongst dense ground vegetation. Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information. A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click Conservation a national parkTypes Tell us what you think about this page by completing the questions below and giving us your own words in the ‘Your comments’ section.The Department of Environment and Science collects personal information from you, including information about your email address and telephone number.We collect this information to contact you with any follow-up questions. It is threatened by habitat loss. Nests disturbed during incubation are readily abandoned.After the eggs hatch, the male undertakes the majority of the feeding of the young. After construction, the two eggs are laid 24 hours apart. The male brings food to the female during incubation. If a female is in the territory, she will often respond, but it can be difficult for the untrained ear to distinguish between the two calls. quality researchWater ( Eastern Bristlebirds are medium-sized, long-tailed, brown and rufous birds.

It is built just above the ground amongst shelter. With their short wings, the eastern bristlebird is unable to fly great distances to find new places to live. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the The Department of Environment and Science acknowledges Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land. However, deliberate use of fire on a regular basis can also cause changes to the vegetation that do not necessarily benefit the eastern bristlebird. Although secretive, they are occasionally seen scampering across open clearings and are easily located by their loud, melodic song and a harsh, sharp alarm-call.

The strong ‘bristles’ at the base of the bill can be seen at close range. (2012) Queensland’s Threatened Animals, CSIRO, Victoria, Australia.Garnett ST, Szabo JK, and Dutson G. (2011) The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010, CSIRO, Victoria, Australia.To continue to improve your experience we need your feedback.

Calling begins after sunrise, often after rain. alertsAbout The distribution of the Eastern Bristlebird has contracted to three disjunct areas of south-eastern Australia. the OEH Air programCurrent

ants, bugs, beetles and orthopterans), seeds, small fruits and earthworms.Birds are active by day but sedentary, spending the majority of time hidden amongst low dense vegetation. It will otherwise not be used or disclosed unless authorised or required by law.

Observers have found that the birds in this population look different from their southern cousins, however genetic research has suggested that this population is not a sub-species.The northern population of the eastern bristlebird lives in moist, mountain ranges within about 100 km of the coast. Time of breeding varies depending on weather, with timing most likely triggered by storms or heavy rain, which stimulate grass growth and insect activity.A nest is constructed by the female over a few days. vegetationPests mapsSustainability Given good views, this species should be distinctive, though given their cryptic nature they may be confused with the Rufous Scrub-bird ( for the environmentWater

degradationLand animalsThreatened

air quality dataAir