Small Songbirds Down Under

Rufous Bristlebird, Francesco Veronesi from Italy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Anhingidae

by Inspector Barry Mins on August 23, 2022

Hey kids, welcome back to our series on the mysteries of created kinds.

This week, we head to the coasts of Australia, looking for small songbirds.

Two by Tuesday

Last week’s kind was a very small group, and this week it gets even smaller with only three species in this week’s kind. This kind is threatened by Australia’s susceptibility to wildfire. However, these birds tend to be smart enough to flee fire-threatened areas and come back once the fire has passed.1 This recolonization depends on how long it takes for the habitat to become suitable for them again.2 Usually, territories are held by pairs.3 They prefer denser vegetation with at least some canopy height.4 For their diet, they are partial to ants and beetles but will eat most insects and other terrestrial invertebrates.5

Has anyone figured it out yet? This week’s kind is the Dasyornithidae—the bristlebird kind. I know we have written a lot about birds recently, but never fear—all you junior herpetologists out there get an article next week.

Try out this fun crossword puzzle!

Clue

Here is your clue for next week:

This snake kind takes its name from its diminutive size and digging lifestyle.

Ask a Question

Have you ever had a question about created kinds but didn’t know who to ask? Have you ever wanted to learn more about your favorite kind? Well, now you can! You can ask me, Inspector Barry Mins, a question! Have your parents help you fill out this form, and you might get your question answered in my column! If you have any questions about created kinds, feel free to send them my way!

Footnotes

  1. D. W. Bain, J. R. Baker, K. O. French, and R. J. Whelan, “Post-fire recovery of eastern bristlebirds (Dasyornis brachypterus) is context-dependent,” Wildlife Research 35 (2008): 44–49.
  2. S. McNee, B. Newbey, S. Comer, A. H. Burbidge, “Western bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris: Response to fire and persistence of home range in the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia,” Australian Field Ornithology 38 (2021): 172–192.
  3. B. A. Wilson, J. G. Aberton, P. N. Reilly, and M. MacDonald, “The distribution and ecology of the Rufous Bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti) at Aireys Inlet, Victoria,” Emu 101, no. 4 (2001): 341–347.
  4. E. Mitchell, and B. A. Wilson, “Detection and habitat use of the Rufous Bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti) in coastal heathland, in south-western Victoria, Australia,” Emu 107 (2007): 327–334.
  5. L. Gibson, and J. Baker, ”Diet of the eastern bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus in New South Wales,” Corella 28, no. 3 (2004): 79–81.