Class Aves Elevation 73 m Zip code 93610 Local time Sunday 8:42 PM | Phylum Chordata Order Passeriformes Genus Orthonyx Area 19.84 km² Population 17,383 (2013) Area code 559 | |
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Weather 6°C, Wind SE at 2 km/h, 83% Humidity | ||
The chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii) is a passerine bird in the family Orthonychidae. It is endemic to Australia.
Contents
- Map of Chowchilla CA 93610 USA
- Taxonomy
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Diet
- Voice
- Breeding
- References
Map of Chowchilla, CA 93610, USA
Taxonomy
In their 1999 study, Schodde and Mason recognise two adjoining subspecies, O. s. spaldingii and O. s. melasmenus with a zone of intergradation.
Description
Unmistakable thrush-like, ground-dwelling, birds. Males and females largely dark brown with white eye-ring, tail-feather shafts extend as spines beyond feather-vanes; males with white throat, breast and belly; females with bright rufous throat and upper breast, white lower breast and belly.
Distribution and habitat
The chowchilla is restricted to upland and lowland tropical rainforests of north-eastern Queensland.
Diet
Mainly invertebrates, but also small vertebrates.
Voice
Continuous chattering, singing and other complex vocalisations.
Breeding
Nests on or near ground, often on ferns, stumps or logs. Builds a bulky, dome-shaped stick-nest with a clutch of one, possibly sometimes two, white eggs.