Identifying the Plains Wanderer

Hunters are among key people with the potential to locate the endangered Plains Wanderer, especially hunters working the western Queensland, NSW and Victorian plains country and areas in eastern SA. We are told the birds are extraordinarily difficult to spot in daytime but can be spotted rising under a spotlight. On this page we have gathered some advice on identifying potential encounters  to assist hunters to assist the recovery effort.

Flight

(From the Government of South Australia South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board.)

Plains Wanderers are extremely reluctant to fly and are therefore difficult to observe.

Plains Wanderers are usually seen as single birds, but they may also be seen in pairs and families while breeding.

They have a bright yellow bill and legs, and pale brown feathers with small black swirls. Plains Wanderers reach a head to tail length of 15 to 19cm, have a wingspan of 28 to 36cm and weigh 40 to 95 grams.

When disturbed, Plains Wanderers may run for cover, sometimes freezing in an attempt to conceal themselves. If pursued further they may fly up at a steep angle with their long legs trailing, usually only to a height of three to ten metres.

When flying they can be distinguished from quails by their wider wingspan, slower wing beats and a more gradual descent which involves distinct slow flutters without a steep dive.

Sound

(From Youtube with sources identified in each clip.)