Crimson Chat

The Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor), a small and sprightly bird native to Australia, is also known by several other names including the tricoloured chat, saltbush canary, and crimson-breasted nun. These birds are diminutive in stature, typically measuring between 10 to 13 centimeters in length and weighing in at a mere 10 to 11 grams. They possess long, slender legs, a pointed bill that curves downwards, and a tongue tipped with brush-like structures. The adult male is a sight to behold with its rich brown plumage, a striking red crown, and underparts, a distinctive black mask encircling the eyes, and a contrasting white throat. Females and juveniles share a similar coloration but are notably less vivid, with more subdued markings.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Crimson Chat, look for the male's vibrant red crown and underparts, complemented by a white throat and a yellow eye. This sets it apart from the male Red-capped Robin, which sports a black body with a crimson chest and cap, white wing marks, and a dark eye. Additionally, the Crimson Chat's bill is noticeably thinner and longer than that of the robin.

Habitat

The Crimson Chat favors a variety of shrubland habitats, including those dominated by saltbush, bluebush, acacia, and samphire. These birds are typically found on the drier fringes of wetter regions.

Distribution

This species is widespread across the central regions of Australia, from the west coast to the Great Dividing Range, and from the tropical north to the southern coastlines. Their presence spans deserts, semi-arid areas, woodlands, grasslands, and coastal shrublands.

Behaviour

Crimson Chats exhibit a nomadic lifestyle, moving to wetter locales when rainfall is scarce and food sources become limited. They are not known for routine seasonal migrations but will travel extensively in search of rain to capitalize on the resultant abundance of flowers and nectar. On the ground, these birds are more inclined to walk than hop and are commonly observed foraging close to the earth.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Crimson Chat consists of insects and spiders found on the ground or within shrubs. They also utilize their specialized brush-like tongue to extract nectar and consume seeds from flowers near the ground.

Breeding

During the breeding season, which occurs from August to October in the south and can happen almost any time in the north following rain, Crimson Chats form pairs within small flocks. They construct cup-shaped nests close to the ground in low shrubbery or grass, using materials such as grass, rootlets, hair, feathers, and twigs. Both sexes participate in building the nest and in the incubation of the 2 to 4 pink and white, brown-red spotted eggs. After a 12 to 13-day incubation period, both parents feed the hatchlings for two weeks until they are capable of flight and self-feeding.

Song & Calls

The Crimson Chat communicates with soft, metallic twangs reminiscent of "dik-it-dik-it" and high-pitched whistles like "see" or "seet". When disturbed, they produce a rapid "check-check" chattering, which is believed to be the origin of their name.

Similar Species

The male Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii) is often mistaken for the Crimson Chat due to some color similarities. However, the robin's black body with a crimson chest and cap, white wing marks, and dark eye, as well as a shorter, stouter bill, distinguish it from the Crimson Chat.

Conservation status

The Crimson Chat is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. The primary threat to this species comes from predation by cats, snakes, foxes, and larger birds such as ravens. However, conservation efforts have deemed their status secure at present.