Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus
Length 15–19 cm; wingspan 28–36 cm; weight 40–80 g (male), 55–95 g (female).
Cryptic and solitary, the Plains-wanderer is seldom seen during the day. When it becomes alarmed, the Plains-wanderer usually crouches motionless, where its markings allow it to blend into its surroundings; or sometimes run away with head down and extended forward. They eat a variety of seeds and invertebrates, including insects and spiders, which are pecked from the bare ground. They seldom fly, but when they do, they have bowed wings and slowly twist sideways, and they usually land on the ground, but sometimes they alight on a low vantage point such as a fence post.
HABITAT
Plains-wanderers inhabit open native grasslands composed of ephemeral and perennial grasses and herbs, where most of the plants are short (<5 cm tall) and well spaced, with plenty (50%) of open ground between them. They do not inhabit dense growth of grass, including areas planted with introduced pasture grasses.
DISTRIBUTION
Endemic to scattered sites in semi-arid and arid parts of eastern and southern mainland Australia, mainly inland.
STATUS
- Critically Endangered in Victoria
- Endangered in New South Wales
- Vulnerable in Queensland
- Endangered in South Australia
- Vulnerable in EPBC Act
THREATS
The species is threatened by the extensive loss of sparse native grassland habitat due to their cultivation and conversion into farmland, particularly crops and introduced pasture. Related to this is the overgrazing of native grasslands by domestic livestock and rabbits, especially during droughts; conversely, an absence of grazing can also be deleterious to the species because it may allow the density of grasses to increase to the extent that it renders native grasslands unsuitable for habitation by the Plains-wanderer.
MOVEMENTS
Plains-wanderers are sedentary, but some may undertake local movements, usually in response to local changes in conditions which may make their usual habitat unsuitable. |
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