Austral Negrito (Lessonia rufa)

This highly active species is essentially terrestrial but is often seen perching on low bushes or fences, and commonly stands on rocks and small mounds. Running about on the ground in short, restless bursts, it usually pursues its insect prey with brief flutters into the air (2) (4). Breeding occurs from September to January, with populations in the far south tending to breed later than those in the north. The male displays by fluttering upwards 10 to 15 metres into the air. After mating, the female lays between two to four eggs in a small open nest made of twigs, small branches and roots, and usually positioned below overhanging vegetation on the ground or on a cliff ledge (2). The males have no role in the raising of young, and consequently leave the breeding grounds well before the females, which remain to care for the young (2) (4). Once the young have fledged and are capable of travelling long distances, they too migrate northwards with the female (2).

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