Short-tailed Grasswren
Amytornis merrotsyi
Small, pale, streaked bird with darker face and long cocked tail (albeit a bit shorter than in other grasswrens), found in hilly areas and ridgelines with spinifex clumps in the Flinders and Gawler ranges in South Australia. Similar to Striated Grasswren but with a shorter tail and slightly thicker bill. Upperparts rusty brown, with a slightly darker crown, white throat, and pale buffy underparts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Amytornis merrotsyi
- Authority
- Mellor, 1913
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Maluridae
- Genus
- Amytornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Laughing Falcon
Herpetotheres cachinnans
Spectacular and distinctive raptor of tropical lowlands, often seen perched on prominent bare snags, from which it hunts for snakes. Occurs in forest and also in open country with scattered trees. Note the creamy head and underparts with a broad black "bandit mask." Does not soar, and flies with hurried, stiff wingbeats, when rusty patches show on the wings. Named for its far-carrying laughing calls.
Chestnut-backed Thrush
Geokichla dohertyi
A striking thrush with a black-and-white head pattern, a chestnut back, prominent white wing markings, a black chest, large black splotching down the flanks, and a white belly. Juveniles show chestnut spots above, black-spotted buffy underparts, and buff wingbars. Found in forests in the lowlands and foothills, foraging singly on the ground. Restricted to the Lesser Sundas. Separated from Chestnut-capped Thrush by chestnut back, black cap, and small white throat. Song consists of rich cadences, typical of thrushes. Call is a quiet, thin rasping note.
Black-faced Solitaire
Myadestes melanops
Sleek medium-sized thrush with a beautiful voice. Listen for its fluty, ethereal phrases drifting over montane forests. Sexes alike: entirely gray with black face, black wings, and orangey bill and legs. Juveniles confusingly browner and spotted, but note similar shape, small bill, and dark face. Unobtrusive and not very active; most often seen while feeding at a fruiting tree.
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