Atrichornithidae

Atrichornithidae is a small family of passerine birds endemic to Australia. The family contains only one genus, Atrichornis, and two species, the noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus) and the rufous scrub-bird (Atrichornis rufescens). These birds are among the most elusive and least studied of Australian birds, making them subjects of considerable scientific interest.

The members of Atrichornithidae are characterized by their cryptic coloration, predominantly brown and rufous plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in their dense undergrowth habitat. They are ground-dwelling birds, foraging for insects and other invertebrates among leaf litter. A notable feature of both species is their extraordinary vocalizations. The noisy scrub-bird, in particular, is renowned for its loud, far-carrying song, which can be heard over long distances in the dense forests they inhabit.

Both species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily caused by land clearing for agriculture and development, as well as introduced predators. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitats and monitor their populations. The Rufous Scrub-bird is found in the rainforests of eastern Australia, while the Noisy Scrub-bird is restricted to a few isolated pockets of dense coastal heath and woodland in southwestern Western Australia.