Rufous Songlark
Calls & Song

The loud calls & scratchy, melodic song of the Rufous Songlark are a common sound in spring and summer in open woodlands and rural habitats throughout much of Australia. Male Rufous Songlarks sing vibrant “wit-cher, wit-cher, wit-cher-wichy-weedle” song phrases while perched or during conspicuous display flights. In the breeding season these songs can go on incessantly throughout the day. They also make sharp electric whip-like calls and piercing trills. Female Rufous Songlarks are much quieter but often make rattling calls and scolds.

The Rufous Songlark (Cincloramphus mathewsi) is medium-sized songbird endemic to mainland Australia. It is a common species in suitable habitat throughout much of its range, favouring dry open woodland, farmland and tree-lined river beds.

Rufous Songlarks are both nomadic and migratory, generally breeeding in the south of the continent during the spring & early summer months with most returning to interior regions in northern Australia for autumn and winter.