Cinclosoma cinnamomeum
The Cinnamon Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma cinnamomeum) is a striking, medium-sized terrestrial passerine, measuring approximately 19-24 cm (7.5-9.4 inches) in length and weighing 40-70 grams. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, featuring a rich cinnamon-brown back, streaked with darker markings that blend seamlessly with the red earth and sparse vegetation of its arid Australian habitat. Males are particularly distinctive, boasting a prominent black throat and breast patch framed by a bri...
Exclusively found in arid and semi-arid zones, preferring stony plains, mulga and mallee scrublands, spinifex grasslands, and chenopod shrublands. Typically inhabits low-elevation, open, often rocky country.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of ground-dwelling invertebrates such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also consume small seeds opportunistically.
Cinnamon Quail-thrushes are primarily diurnal, highly terrestrial, and notoriously secretive, spending most of their time scuttling rapidly through dense undergrowth or across open ground. They forage by scratching and turning over leaf litter and small stones with their bills and feet, constantl...
The Cinnamon Quail-thrush is a resident species found exclusively across the vast arid and semi-arid interior of mainland Australia, primarily at low elevations. Its distribution spans large portions of Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales. W...
Least Concern
- The name "Quail-thrush" aptly describes their appearance and behavior: they resemble small thrushes but move with a quail-like, scuttling gait on the ground. - Their cryptic cinnamon and streaked plumage provides exceptional camouflage, making them incredibly difficult to spot against the red e...