Southern Emuwren
NameSouthern Emuwren
Common NameSouthern Emuwren
Scientific NameStipiturus malachurus
FamilyMaluridae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)6.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a rufous-brown crown and upperparts, streaked with black on the back. The face, lores, and throat are bright sky-blue. Underparts are rufous-orange, fading to buff on the belly. The tail consists of six long, stiff, filamentous, emu-like feathers. Females lack the blue plumage, having a duller rufous-brown head and throat.
Vocalization / CallA soft, high-pitched, rapid trill or reeling call, often described as a 'seep-seep-seep' or 'tseep-tseep-tseep' followed by a trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Australia, found in fragmented populations across coastal and subcoastal areas of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, stiff, filamentous tail feathers (emu-like), Small size, Rufous-brown plumage, Bright sky-blue throat and lores in males
Description
A very small, secretive bird known for its exceptionally long, wispy tail composed of six stiff, emu-like feathers. Males display a striking sky-blue throat and lores, contrasting with their rufous-brown plumage, while females are duller.
