Tuesday 8 August 2023

Southern Scrub-Robin

The Southern Scrub-Robin (Drymodes brunneopygia) is a ground dwelling robin found, as the name suggests, in dense and mostly semi-arid scrub habitats. They are uncommon sedentary birds which can be hard to find. On a recent birding walk from the Ackle Bend campground in Little Desert National Park, we came across two Scrub-Robins (a pair most likely) in Desert Banksia (Banksia ornata). Loud calls from the low and dense banksias beside the path alerted us to the presence of a bird we could not place by the call. The bird soon revealed itself, and its identity, when it flew to the top of a dead wattle where we had good views. 

They are said to be inquisitive and this certainly appeared to be the case as a second bird appeared close by showing interest in us.

A few photos were possible before they returned to the ground to forage among the banksias. Photos of them on the ground were not possible as they hopped and ran between the banksias presenting only fleeting glimpses in the small spaces.

Please click on photos to enlarge. 









The bird in the photo above has sand on its bill indicating it has been probing in the soil for food.


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