The Big Mallee Fowl In Patchewollock, Victoria: A Town’s Quirky Symbol

If you’ve ever driven through the small town of Patchewollock in Victoria, you might have noticed something unusual – a massive metal sculpture of a malleefowl.

This quirky piece of art, known as The Big Mallee Fowl, stands proudly in the heart of the town, celebrating one of the region’s most iconic and endangered species.

It’s a symbol of the town’s dedication to celebrating and preserving its unique local wildlife.

They built a second sculpture a few years ago. You’ll find them perched near the old railway station – you can’t miss them!

What’s a giant malleefowl sculpture doing in this small town?

Patchewollock residents wanted to create something unique that would put their small town on the map.

So, the two sculptures of malleefowls were built as a tribute to the bird, which is native to Australia and closely associated with the Mallee region.

They’re built almost entirely from painted corrugated iron, and they’re perched near the restored railway station of Patchewollock.

These sculptures not only serve as a tourist attraction but also raise awareness about the malleefowl, highlighting its importance to the local ecosystem and the need for conservation efforts.

Where do real malleefowls live?

Malleefowls (Leipoa Ocellata) are shy, ground-dwelling birds that make their homes in Mallee country. The nearby Wyperfeld National Park in Hopetoun is a known habitat.

Mallee is a type of bushland found in parts of Victoria and South Australia. It’s made up of scraggly, multi-stemmed eucalyptus trees that are very tough and can survive in dry, harsh conditions.

These trees are pretty resilient – they can even regrow after being hit by bushfires!

It’s a unique environment that’s home to all sorts of wildlife, notoriously the malleefowl, which perfectly adapted to this kind of habitat.

These birds are also found in some semi-arid regions of south west Western Australia and New South Wales.

They used to be in the Northern Territory too, but it’s believed they’re extinct in that area.

What do they eat?

Malleefowls have a varied diet, feeding on seeds, fruits, flowers, and invertebrates like ants and termites.

Their diet largely depends on what’s available in their environment, and they’re known to forage for food on the ground, using their strong legs to scratch and dig through the leaf litter.

This diverse diet is essential for their survival, especially in the often harsh conditions of the mallee woodlands.

Breeding habits: The malleefowl mounds

This is one of the most fascinating things about the malleefowl!

Unlike most birds, they don’t build nests in trees or on the ground. Instead, they create large nesting mounds of sand, soil, and organic material, sometimes up to 5 metres in diameter and 1 metre in height.

After the female malleefowl lays the eggs, the heat generated by the decomposition of the organic material inside the mound incubates them.

The male bird constantly adjusts the temperature by adding or removing material. It’s a process that can take several months and requires meticulous care, making the malleefowl parents some of the most dedicated.

Their breeding season is between September and January, and use the same malleefowl mounds for multiple seasons. Malleefowl chicks often hatch from November to January.

Why are the malleefowls endangered?

Malleefowls are classified as “endangered” due to a few reasons:

• Habitat loss due to land clearing for agriculture.

• Predation by introduced species like foxes and feral cats.

• Impacts of climate change and increased frequency of bushfires.

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these birds and their habitat. Projects aimed at preserving the mallee woodlands and controlling predator populations are vital to ensuring the survival of the malleefowl.

Top Tips

Patchewollock is a small town, so don’t expect too much in terms of shops or restaurants. Plan accordingly and bring everything you might need.

The best time to visit is spring is ideal, with milder weather and wildflowers in bloom. Summer can get scorching hot, so be prepared if you’re visiting then.

Mobile reception can be a bit patchy, so don’t rely on your phone for navigation or staying in touch.

Did you know?

“Big Things” are a bit of an Aussie tradition, and you’ll find them scattered all over the country. These oversized sculptures are usually tied to the local identity or something the town is proud of.

They’re quirky, fun, and make for great road trip stops. Plus, they give small towns a unique landmark that helps put them on the map.

Some examples include:

• The Big Galah in Kimba, South Australia. It’s a giant version of the pink and grey bird that’s common in the area.

• The Big Prawn in Ballina, New South Wales. This massive crustacean was built to celebrate the town’s thriving prawn industry and has become a well-known landmark on the East Coast.

• The Giant Murray Cod, also in NSW. It pays homage to the iconic fish that’s native to the Murray River. It’s a symbol of the local fishing culture and a nod to the river’s importance to the community.

These “Big Things” are more than just oversized sculptures. They’re a bit of Aussie culture, celebrating the unique aspects of each town and providing a fun and memorable stop for anyone passing through.

FAQs

The bottom line

The Big Mallee Fowl isn’t just a quirky roadside sculpture – it’s a key part of Patchewollock’s charm.

This tribute to the malleefowl shows how even the most unexpected things can become iconic symbols of a community.

Sure, some might see Australia’s Big Things as over-the-top, but you can’t deny they’re a staple of Aussie road trips!

So next time you’re cruising through the outback, make sure to give the Big Mallee Fowl a visit—it’s one of those weird and wonderful bits of Australian culture you just can’t miss.