Western Quail-thrush

The Western quail-thrush (Cinclosoma marginatum) is a passerine bird, a member of the Cinclosomatidae family, distinguished by its smaller size and slighter build compared to its relative, the Cinclosoma castanotum. Exhibiting a chestnut crown and back, the males have a striking black throat and lower breast, separated by a chestnut band. Females, on the other hand, display a more subdued palette with a grey center breast-band and less contrast throughout their plumage. Both sexes have white underparts of the tail with black margins, visible in flight, and legs ranging from grey to grey-black. They measure between 21 to 25 centimeters and weigh around 65 grams on average.

Identification Tips

To identify the Western quail-thrush, look for the cinnamon-rufous breast and flanks, and the solid chestnut color of the crown and back. Males have a distinctive chestnut band between the black throat and lower breast, while females have a greyer appearance with a grey center breast-band. The white and brownish tail feathers with black margins are most evident when the bird takes flight.

Habitat

This species is found in arid inland habitats, particularly favoring dry woodland shrub with low understory on stony ground. They thrive in semi-arid to arid climatic zones.

Distribution

The Western quail-thrush is endemic to south-central Western Australia, where it is a common sight over most of its range.

Behaviour

The Western quail-thrush is known for its song, a series of whistles that increase in pace and end with longer notes followed by short high-pitched tones. They are winter breeders, with their breeding season spanning from January to September, and they lay eggs from March to September. Breeding is closely tied to rainfall, as they do not breed during droughts. Their nests are grassy bowls adorned with leaves and twigs, usually placed under shrubbery. Both parents incubate the eggs, but the female takes on the role of brooding and feeding the chicks. These birds are non-migratory and remain within their habitats.

Song & Calls

The song consists of a series of five to eleven whistles that quicken in pace, maintaining the same pitch, and conclude with a variation of longer and short high-pitched notes.

Breeding

The Western quail-thrush breeds mainly in winter, avoiding breeding during droughts. Their nests are grassy bowls, and they typically lay two, occasionally three, white eggs spotted with lavender and chestnut-brown. Both parents share incubation duties.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of arthropods, including spiders and insects. They forage on the ground, walking slowly and pecking at the soil, and are known to hold larger food items underfoot while pecking them apart.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Western quail-thrush as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.