Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush

The Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Cinclosoma castaneothorax, presents a striking figure in the Australian landscape. This small, ground-dwelling bird is a marvel of adaptation, with its plumage a testament to the arid environments it calls home.

Identification Tips

Observers should look for the male's glossy black throat and the rich rust-red breast band edged with black, complemented by a buff eyebrow. The rump and back are a deep rust-red, while the underside is black. The female, on the other hand, sports an orange-buff throat and malar region, with a pale brown breast that transitions to a dull cinnamon on the flanks. Her underside is an olive-brown, and the rump is reddish-brown with indistinct darker streaks.

Habitat

The Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush thrives in semi-arid zones, where sparse woody shrubs, herbaceous vegetation, and hummock grasses dominate the landscape.

Distribution

This endemic Australian species is predominantly found in northwestern New South Wales and southwestern Queensland, where it has adapted to the semi-arid deserts.

Behaviour

The bird exhibits fascinating behaviours, especially around nesting. Mature and juvenile individuals may frequent the nests, but only the mature birds feed the young. Juveniles, distinguishable by their smaller size and incomplete chest bar, are often chased away by the mature male. In the presence of predators, all individuals, including hatchlings, will render themselves motionless to avoid detection.

Song & Calls

The male's common call is a piping whistle of two and three short notes. When alarmed, both sexes produce one or two insect-like noises, reminiscent of the call of Myzomela nigra.

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the winter semester, with egg-laying often following heavy rains in the early weeks of the months. The nest is comprised of a slight depression lined with mulga leaves and hop-bush bark, hidden behind a curtain of leaves and bark.

Conservation status

The Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population within its environment.