Rufous Bristlebird

The rufous bristlebird (Dasyornis broadbenti) is one of three extant species of bristlebirds. It is endemic to Australia and three subspecies have been described, from coastal south-western Western Australia, south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria. Its natural habitat is coastal shrublands and heathlands. It is threatened by habitat destruction. == Subspecies == The species Dasyornis broadbenti comprises three geographically separated subspecies, one of which is extinct: Dasyornis broadbenti broadbenti (McCoy, 1867) - the Coorong rufous bristlebird occurs from the mouth of the Coorong in South Australia to Portland Bay and Port Fairy in Victoria. D. b. caryochrous Schodde & Mason, 1999 - the Otways rufous bristlebird is found on the coast of the Otway Ranges in Victoria from Peterborough to Anglesea. D. b. litoralis (Milligan, 1902) - the extinct western rufous bristlebird formerly occurred in Southwest Australia between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Mentelle. == Description == The rufous bristlebird is a medium-sized bird (approximately 77g) that is predominantly brown, with a long tail and short rounded wings. It has a rich rufous coloured head and ear coverts. The mantle, back and neck are dark brown with a faint reddish wash and a red-brown rump. A light grey marking surrounds the…