Plains-wanderer
In evolutionary terms, Plains-wanderers are one of a kind. There’s no bird like it in the world.
Plains-wanderers are beautiful birds. They are mostly brown or buff in colour with white and blackish markings over the body including spots and streaks on the head and neck.
They prefer short, sparse grasslands that provide cover and space to forage for seeds, leaves and insects.
Once seen from Victoria to Queensland, the Plains-wanderer has undergone a dramatic decline in the last decade. It is critically endangered and under imminent threat of extinction.
The major threats
The major threat to the survival of the Plains-wanderer is the loss of sparse native grasslands and the condition of the grassland habitat that remains. They like it just right. If the grass cover becomes too thick or too sparse they abandon the site.
The plan for fighting extinction
Zoos Victoria is part of an Australian National Recovery Team, formed in an emergency effort to save the species from extinction.
A purpose-built breeding aviary opened at Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2017, with Plains-wanderer chicks being born soon after. These chicks are part of this relatively new breeding program that will aim to help preserve the species' genetic diversity and repopulate wild numbers if required.
How you can help
- Raise community awareness and support for the Plains-wanderers.
- Visit our zoos to support our work to fight extinction.
- And donate if you can. As we are a not for profit organisation, all donations go towards our conservation work.
- Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of wild activists taking action for local wildlife.
While Plains-wanderers aren't on display at our zoos, we have a purpose-built breeding facility at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
