Over the years, plains-wanderer numbers have fallen by over 85 per cent due to habitat loss, poor vegetation management, and extreme weather. Now, for the first time since 1989, their unique calls have been identified in Melbourne’s west, signifying a crucial step in saving the species from extinction.  

This elusive bird, often referred to as the ‘Goldilocks’ of the animal kingdom, is known for its very specific habitat requirements (they like it just right). This species can only thrive in certain conditions, making its survival highly vulnerable. The one-of-a-kind birds are genetically distinct from any other species on the planet and have an evolutionary lineage of their own. They are ranked number one on the Zoological Society of London’s list of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered birds.  

Plains-wanderer 2 (Image: Jo Howell/Zoos Victoria)

Zoos Victoria, leading the research with support from the state government’s Nature Fund and partners like Museums Victoria and Queensland University of Technology, has deployed 35 audio recorders, known as "song meters," in Victoria’s Volcanic Plains.  

These devices use AI-powered call recognisers developed by Museums Victoria and Queensland University of Technology to identify the unique calls of the plains-wanderer. Over the past few years, Zoos Victoria has gathered tens of thousands of hours of acoustic data. This monitoring has led to the detection of plains-wanderer calls at both private and public sites. The monitoring will continue until the end of 2026, providing ongoing information about the species' presence and behaviour. 

Plains-wanderer song meters in Victoria's Volcanic Plains (Image: Chris Hartnett/Zoos Victoria)

Once found across much of Australia’s grasslands, this species is now found much more sparsely, with fewer than 1,000 of the birds remaining in the wild. They are primarily found in two regions, Victoria’s Northern Plains and the New South Wales Riverina. 

Their rediscovery in Melbourne’s west is a critical opportunity to protect its precious grassland habitat, of which less than one per cent remains in Victoria. The detection also supports future efforts to rebuild a self-sustaining wild population for the species.  

“This is a monumental discovery that provides great hope for the future of this special species. We’re excited to work with landowners and managers across Victoria’s Volcanic Plains to protect this precious bird and its native grassland habitat,” said Chris Hartnett, Zoos Victoria Threatened Species Program Coordinator.  

Images courtesy of Zoos Victoria.

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