Chowchilla

Overview

The chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii) is a passerine bird in the family Orthonychidae, endemic to Australia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Thrush-like, ground-dwelling bird.
• Tail-feather shafts extend as spines beyond the feather-vanes.
• Males feature a white throat, breast, and belly, while females have a bright rufous throat and upper breast with a white lower breast and belly.
• White eye-ring.

Habitat

The chowchilla is restricted to upland and lowland tropical rainforests of north-eastern Queensland.

Diet

Its diet mainly consists of invertebrates, but it also consumes small vertebrates.

Did you know?

The chowchilla is notable for its continuous chattering, singing, and other complex vocalisations.