Atrichornithidae - Scrub Birds

There are only two bird species in this family. The rufous scrub-bird and the noisy scrub-bird are found in Australia, and they are both very rare! They are brown and black in color and spend most of their time on the ground. The male's call is very loud and can be heard for miles.

The noisy scrub bird is about 8 inches in length and has long legs; short, rounded wings; and a pointed bill. It is brown on its uppersides and yellow on its undersides. It has a white throat and a black triangle on its chest. It eats seeds, insects, and small reptiles and amphibians. The noisy scrub-bird can fly, but not very well! It spends most of its time on the ground. It is a very good runner and chases its food! The noisy scrub-bird was thought to be extinct at one time, but it was re-discovered in 1961. It is currently endangered and is found only in coastal scrub areas of southwestern Australia.

The rufous scrub-bird is found in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It lives in rainforests and adjacent wet eucalyptus forests. It is also endangered.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct Not Enough Data
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist.

U.S. Status Key Threatened in US Endangered in US Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife. Click on U.S. status icon to go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife species profile.

New Hampshire Status Key Threatened in NH Endangered in NH Breeds in NH Introduced Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Location Key
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH Click for More Info Click for Image

Other Species Around the World
Noisy Scrub-bird- Atrichornis clamosus Rufous Scrub-bird - Atrichornis rufescens

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Noisy Scrub-bird - Atrichornis clamosus
The noisy scrub-bird is found on the south coast of Western Australia, Australia.
Source: BirdLife International Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School

Rufous Scrub-bird - Atrichornis rufescens
The rufous scrub-bird is found in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School o

Rufous Scrub-bird - Atrichornis rufescens
The rufous scrub-bird is found in rainforests and adjacent wet eucalyptus forests.
Source: BirdLife International Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School