Rufous songlark

Photo by Deane Lewis (Australian Nature Photography)

Common name:
rufous songlark (en); rouxinol-de-Mathews (pt); mégalure de Mathews (fr); yerbera de Mathews (es); rostbürzel-lerchensänger (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Sylviidae

Range:
This species is endemic to Australia, being found throughout the country although the northernmost areas are only used during winter.

Size:
These bird are 16-19 cm long and weigh 30 g.

Habitat:
The rufous songlark is mostly found in dry grasslands and savannas, but can also be found in dry scrublands and arable land.

Diet:
They forage mostly on the ground, taking insects and other small arthropods.

Breeding:
Rufous songlarks breed in December-March. The female builds the nest, a deep cup of grass, placed on the ground among thick grass or other low vegetation, where she lays 2-3 eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone for 11 days and also raises the chicks on her own. There is no information regarding the length of the fledgling period.

Conservation:
IUCN status – LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be locally common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.