Jewel-babblers, Quail-thrushes

The Cinclosomatidae family, comprising the quail-thrushes and jewel-babblers, is native to Australia and New Guinea and has been the subject of complex taxonomic revisions. These medium-sized songbirds, ranging from 17–28 cm in length, show strong differentiation in male and female plumages with quail-thrushes blending into their arid Australian environments and jewel-babblers displaying vivid blue tints in New Guinean forests. Known for their distinctive calls, they're largely terrestrial, foraging on the ground for insects and seeds, and have a tendency to run rather than fly when startled. Their cup-shaped nests are built low among shrubs or on the ground, where they lay two to three eggs. While their conservation status generally isn't alarming, there are concerns for some subspecific populations. The family's complex classification includes debates on the inclusion of related wedgebills, whipbirds, and the taxonomic standing of the Malaysian rail-babbler and blue-capped ifrit, with historical ties to the Orthonychidae and adjustments suggesting they share a common ancestor with the Corvidae.