62 Birds, One Big Step: Eastern Bristlebirds Return to the Border Ranges

Deep in the Border Ranges of northern New South Wales, something remarkable is unfolding. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s conservation team has just completed their seventh release of Eastern Bristlebirds – bringing the cumulative total to 62 birds now roaming free in the wild.

This latest cohort of 11 birds – four bonded pairs and three females – joins birds from previous releases already living among their wild counterparts. Together, they represent the best hope for the northern population of this critically endangered species.

Meet the Class of 2026

Pair 1

Orpheus & Angel
A deeply bonded pair — a match made in heaven.

Pair 2

Andrew & Moira
Young and enthusiastic, ready to take on the world together.

Pair 3

Chester & Yume
A young pair, eager to explore their new home side by side.

Pair 4

Mike & Daphne
A cautious, considered pair who’ll take their time finding the perfect spot.

Solo female

Drew
The mature member of the group – patiently waiting for the right companion.

Solo female

Ana
Ready to find her place among the wild population.

Solo female

Rosie
A bold, adventurous girl – she’ll be quick to explore and find a mate.

From Aviary to Wild: The Release Process

Getting a  bird safely into the wild is a carefully managed, multi-week process. Here’s how it works:

1. Health checks & prep: In the lead-up to release, each bird undergoes thorough health assessments and preventive treatment to ensure they’re in peak condition.
   
2. Release day – dawn exams & tagging: On the morning of release, birds are collected at first light and examined under light anaesthetic. Each receives a unique permanent leg band for lifetime identification, plus a UHF radio transmitter. This allows the team to track their movements in the field for up to two months before it safely detaches on its own.
   
3. Three days in a “pre-release” tent: Rather than releasing birds directly into the bush, they first spend three days in custom habitat tents. These are furnished with native foliage, grasses, and logs – allowing them to acclimate at their own pace. By day three, most birds are visibly restless: peering out, calling to wild birds nearby, ready to go.
   
4. Self-release into the wild: When the team is confident a bird is ready, the tent is simply unzipped – and the bird chooses its own moment to step into the wild. Supplemental food remains available in the tent for up to two weeks as a safety net while birds establish themselves.
   
5. 30+ days of daily monitoring: DCCEEW begin radio tracking as soon as birds exit the tents. Every bird is monitored daily for a minimum of 30 days – tracking dispersal, interactions with wild birds, feeding behaviour, and overall survivability.

Why This Matters

The Eastern Bristlebird is one of Australia’s rarest birds. The northern population – confined to the NSW-Queensland border region – is particularly vulnerable. They have suffered steep declines due to habitat loss and altered fire regimes. Without intervention, local extinction is a real risk.

Each captive-bred bird released doesn’t just add a number – it adds genetic diversity, bolstering a population that has become dangerously small. The careful matching of breeding pairs at our facility is designed to maximise this genetic contribution and give the wild population the resilience it needs to recover.

With 62 birds now in the field across seven release events, the program is building real momentum. This latest release is cause for real celebration – for the birds, for the team, and for the future of this irreplaceable species.