Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

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Family ATRICHORNITHIDAE Stejneger, 1885


Compiler and date details

Files of R. Schodde & I.J. Mason, 2001; updated and upgraded by N.W. Longmore, Museum Victoria, 2006

 

Introduction

The two species of this monophyletic, endemic and relict family are today restricted to small populations in Western Australia, and New South Wales/Queensland (Schodde & Mason 1999). In Western Australia the one species, Atrichornis clamosus, is found in an undisturbed mixed environment of heath and sedges with scattered small eucalypts; whereas in eastern Australia A. rufescens occupies wet sclerophyll adjacent to, and occasionally in, dense temperate (beech) rainforest. Populations of both species are considered threatened.

Members of the genus are territorial, pairs occupying large territories. Males are monogamous but polygyny has been reported. All ultrataxa are dull in colouration, being varying shades of brown interrupted by fine darker vermiculations. Males of both species have a distinctive creamy-white malar stripe, a black throat and upper breast. Atrichornis clamosus is monotypic whereas two ultrataxa of A. rufescens have been recognised. All are terrestrial, keeping close to thick ground vegetation within their restrictive territories. Their flight is poor an adaptation to the microhabitat within which they live. Vocalisations are a prime resource for the genus; their loud often, ventriloquial calls are exclusive to the family. Feeding is accomplished with the birds probing and scratching through leaf litter for invertebrates.

Nests are built on the ground, placed cryptically in thick undergrowth. They are globular structures of rushes, lined with grasses and other plant materials that are cardboard-like in appearance. These nests have a side entrance. One or two pale buff eggs are laid; these are primarily spotted or blotched with reddish brown.

Much of the anatomy of the genus shows a strong affinity or close relationship to the Menuridae. The syrinx in particular is very similar allowing the birds to expound with their mimicry. Other osteological characters also align the two families in close association (Ames 1971; Feduccia 1975; Bock 1985).

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
12-Feb-2010 (import)