Cinclosoma marginatum
The Western Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma marginatum) is a strikingly marked, ground-dwelling passerine endemic to the arid and semi-arid regions of Western and central Australia. Measuring approximately 18-22 cm in length and weighing 40-60 grams, males are particularly distinctive with a bold black face, throat, and upper breast, sharply outlined by a prominent white stripe extending from below the eye to the side of the neck. Their crown is grey-brown, contrasting with a rufous mantle, grey-bro...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid mallee, acacia shrublands, and spinifex grasslands, often in rocky areas or stony plains. Typically inhabits low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, termites, and spiders, supplemented with seeds and other small invertebrates. Forages by scratching through leaf litter on the ground.
The Western Quail-thrush is a shy, secretive, and predominantly terrestrial bird, active during the day. It spends most of its time foraging on the ground, employing a distinctive 'shuffle-and-scratch' technique, using its strong legs and feet to uncover invertebrates and seeds from leaf litter a...
The Western Quail-thrush is endemic to Australia, predominantly found in the arid and semi-arid interior of Western Australia. Its distribution extends eastward into the western parts of South Australia and the southwestern Northern Territory, particularly in areas characterized by mallee, acacia...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the Western Quail-thrush is not related to true quails but is a passerine, more closely allied with other Australasian families. - This bird is a master of camouflage; its plumage blends seamlessly with the arid, stony ground it inhabits. - When alarmed, it prefers to run quic...