Based on their evolutionary distinctness and extinction risk, ranked # 1 in the world among 9,993 recognised bird species (Jetz et al 2014).< >Sole member of a Family of birds, the Pedionomidae.An ancient Gondwanan survivor.  Plains-wanderer relatives were in Australia over 30 million years ago.The only other Australian vertebrate species with a similar global ranking would have been the Thylacine.And the National & Victorian status of this bird is critically endangered.The Plains-wanderer’s Latin name is Pedionomus torquatus  And its primary location is between Echuca and Kerang, the Patho Plains, almost on our doorstep.

The sparse native grasslands on red soils are critical habitat for the birds survival. Females are larger and more brightly coloured and defend their territories. About as tall as your hand, normal pose is more like a fist. Eat a diverse array of seeds and insects. Females may pair with 2 males in the same season – unusual in the avian world.

The male (below) do most of the incubation and all of the rearing of their 2-5 chicks, mainly in Spring.

 

Home range between 9-12 ha, with about 400m between territories.

 It was well and truly recognised by TfN how significant these Northern Plains Grasslands were and in 1998 TfN were instrumental in the purchase of the Terrick Terrick grasslands – the first grassland to be formally protected on the Patho Plains. It was transferred to the crown, and this 1280 ha grassland reserve is managed by Parks Vic.

 

An additional 4,483 hectares are now protected grasslands across northern Victoria, with plans to caveat much more privately owned land to protect this essential habitat though funding is the limiting factor.

Farmers are very important to the survival of the species as because there is so little habitat remaining it must be managed. Not only in drought conditions to prevent overgrazing, because then predators like native birds of prey can find them, but even in wet years when the grasslands become overgrown and need some heavier grazing.

Plains-wanderers are very difficult to spot as they are so well naturally camouflaged with the surrounding, so they are monitored by “song meters”. There are now 70 song meters in the field and these will perform a key monitoring role in future years.

 

Another method of protecting this rare bird is through captive breeding at zoos across Australia, and it has enjoyed some success.

You can help save Plains-wanders by donating to the not for profit “Trust for Nature” at https://trustfornature.org.au/