The bird of the month for July is the Southern Emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus).

This tiny wren species inhabits the heathlands and grasslands spanning coastlines from southeastern to southwestern Australia. Whilst this species is generally shy, they are quite recognisable by their long, dainty tail feathers, which closely resemble those of the Emu.

In the Illawarra, this species is rarely seen right on the coast; the birds are more often found in the heathland up over the escarpment around Maddens Plains and Darkes Forest.

I recently spotted this male during a walk along Fire Trail No. 10 in Darkes Forest, which is a great trail for spotting local woodland and heathland bird species. Male Southern Emu-wrens often perch on the upper branches of low-lying shrubs while calling, and I was able to capture a photo of this one out in the open.