Chowchilla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chowchilla
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Orthonyx
Species:	spaldingii

The chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii) is a passerine bird in the family Orthonychidae. It is endemic to Australia.

Near Mount Lewis – Australia

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.

Behaviour

Orthonyx spaldingii (male)

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.

• BirdLife International. (2007). Species factsheet: Orthonyx spaldingii. Downloaded from [1] on 9 August 2007
• Higgins, P.J.; & Peter, J.M. (eds). (2003). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 6: Pardalotes to Shrike-thrushes. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN: 0-19-553762-9

See also

In Spanish: Colaespina de Spalding para niños