Rockwarbler

About the Rockwarbler

The rockwarbler (Origma solitaria), is a bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is the only bird species endemic to the mainland of the state of New South Wales in Australia. The rockwarbler was described and illustrated in 1808 by the English artist and naturalist John Lewin under the binomial name Sylvia solitaria. For many years it was the only member of the genus Origma until genetic work showed that it was related to two species of mousewarblers from New Guinea. The rockwarbler diverged from the common ancestor of the other two species around 9 million years ago. Rockwarbler has been designated the official name by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC). Common names also include cataract-bird, cave-bird, origma, rock-robin, and sandstone robin. A former common name, hanging dick, came about from its nest, which hangs suspended in a cave. It has no subspecies.

The rockwarbler is 14 cm (5.5 in) in length and weighs around 14 g (0.5 oz), with predominantly dark grey-brown plumage, darker wings and more red-brown underparts, cinnamon-tinged face and forehead, and whitish throat. Its tail is black. Adult males and females have similar... Wikipedia →