News from the Field

Birdlife at Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary

25 Oct. 2021
M Mclaren/AWC

During this years’ annual bird survey at our Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary (SA) a total of 109 species were recorded across the vast 679,000-hectare sanctuary.

The survey recorded increased numbers of many bush birds such as Crimson and Orange Chats (both breeding), Budgerigar (breeding), and rarities such as both Black and Grey Falcon.

A highlight for the team was spotting the iconic Eyrean Grasswren (Amytornis goyderi), which was rediscovered on Kalamurina after it had not been seen for more than 50 years.

Kalamurina Bird Survey 2021 B Hasse/AWC
Eyrean Grasswren (Amytornis goyderi)

These arid dwelling grasswrens have pale brown plumage with faint white streaks and are well camouflaged when scurrying around in canegrass clumps. Like all grasswrens they have rounded wings so they can’t undertake long flights – instead they hop, run, bound or bounce between bushes and tussocks of grass.

Some of the other species found during the survey can be seen below.