The overall distribution of this species can be assessed, and
specific locations where birds have been spotted can be found,
based on individual sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to
ebird.org
.
The global distribution of the Rufous Scrub-bird is available
HERE
.
Rufous Scrub-birds have a very restricted range - they are endemic to
parts of the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range, from just to
the North of the Hunter River in NSW, namely
Barrington Tops NP,
to near the border of NSW and QLD, prominently
Lamington NP, QLD.
Their range is now restricted to two small areas, which makes them
vulnerable to total destruction by wildfires.
Nominate race
"rufescens"
is still present on the eastern slopes from
Lamington NP,
QLD, to Gibraltar
Range NP, to the West of Grafton, NSW.
Race "ferrieri"
resides along the eastern slopes from
New England NP,
westward of Coffs Harbour, NSW, to
Barrington Tops NP,
to the North of the Hunter estuary near Newcastle, NSW.
Rufous Scrub-birds have a preference for dense vegetation with
copious leaf litter, as found primarily in gullies in
rainforest.
The destruction of their habitats in low-lying parts of their
range has forced them into higher-altitude parts of suitable
environments, ranging between 300 m to 1000 m in altitude, on
the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range.