Fernwren

Overview

The fernwren (Oreoscopus gutturalis) is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae that is monotypic within its genus. Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, it is endemic to the rainforests of northern Queensland, Australia.

Identification

• 12–14 cm in length with dark olive-brown upperparts and paler underparts.
• Distinctive white eyebrow and throat enclosing a dark brown face, with a black bib beneath the throat.
• Features a long, slender bill.
• Emits a variety of calls, including high-pitched squeaks and whistles, softer chattering sequences, and buzzing, scolding notes.

Habitat

Found in tropical moist lowland and montane forests in northeast Queensland between 300 and 1,500 m above sea-level, though usually above 650 m. Its range extends from the Paluma Range near Townsville northwards through Tully Gorge National Park to Cape Tribulation. The bird is sedentary and particularly favours shady gullies within highland rainforests.

Diet

Feeds on arthropods and small skinks. It forages in the moist leaf-litter amongst ferns and dense shrubbery, frequently bowing its head and flicking its short tail while searching through forest floor debris.

Did you know?

The specific epithet 'gutturalis' is Medieval Latin for 'of the throat', directly referencing the bird's prominent white throat. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings for 21 to 23 days after the female completes a 29-day incubation period.