Orthonyx spaldingii
The Chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii) is a robust, medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 23-25 cm in length and weighing 70-80g, endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Australia. Males are characterized by their glossy black plumage, contrasting sharply with a pristine white eye and strong, dark legs, while females possess a distinctive rufous-chestnut chin and throat patch, making sexual dimorphism a clear identification feature. Its most striking field mark is its almost pure w...
This species primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests, as well as wet sclerophyll forests, from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,500 meters.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of invertebrates, including insects, worms, spiders, and mollusks, which they uncover by vigorously raking through leaf litter.
Chowchillas are primarily diurnal, spending almost their entire active period foraging on the forest floor, where they also roost in dense vegetation. Their unique foraging strategy involves powerful 'kick-scratching' through deep leaf litter, using their strong legs and stiff tails as a brace to...
The Chowchilla is strictly endemic to the Wet Tropics bioregion of northeastern Queensland, Australia. Its primary distribution extends from just south of Cooktown down to the Paluma Range, covering a relatively narrow coastal strip. Significant populations are found in the Atherton Tablelands, t...
Least Concern
- The Chowchilla is named directly after its distinctive, loud 'chow-chilla' call, which can echo remarkably through dense rainforest. - It is one of Australia's endemic logrunners, a small family (Orthonychidae) unique to the region, known for their ground-foraging adaptations. - Unlike many bir...