Orange chat

Overview

Wikipedia

The orange chat is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Australia.

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Distribution

Region

Australian arid and semi-arid interior

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across inland Australia from Western Australia through South Australia, the Northern Territory, inland Queensland and New South Wales. Favors open chenopod shrublands dominated by samphire and saltbush, margins of saline and ephemeral lakes, dry floodplains, and sparsely vegetated grasslands. It is a rainfall-responsive nomad, appearing in numbers after wet periods and dispersing when conditions dry. Nests are typically placed low in shrubs in open country.

Altitude Range

0–800 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Despite the name, the orange chat is a honeyeater relative (family Meliphagidae) adapted to Australia’s arid interior. Males turn vividly orange in breeding plumage and can be conspicuous on low shrubs, while females are much duller. The species is highly nomadic, moving widely in response to rainfall and temporary wetlands. It often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and wary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs

Social Behavior

Often in pairs during breeding, but forms loose flocks or small parties at other times. Builds a small cup nest low in shrubs or samphire. Both sexes participate in nesting duties, and movements are opportunistic following local productivity after rain.

Migratory Pattern

Nomadic (rainfall-driven movements)

Song Description

Song is a soft, tinkling series of notes delivered from low perches or during short display flights. Calls include thin, high tsip and twittering contact notes.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Male in breeding plumage shows vivid orange to golden underparts and face with sandy-brown upperparts; female and non-breeding birds are mostly sandy-brown with a soft orange wash below. Both sexes have pale underparts compared to the back and a fine, neat feather texture suited to arid habitats.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily takes small insects and other arthropods such as ants, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from the ground and low shrubs. Will also snap at small flying insects on short sallies. Occasionally consumes seeds or tiny plant matter, especially when insect prey is scarce. Foraging is agile and rapid, matching the sparse cover of its habitats.

Preferred Environment

Forages on bare ground, along lake margins, and within low chenopod shrublands, especially samphire and saltbush. Frequently feeds near ephemeral wetlands and on recently greened floodplains after rain. Often uses scattered shrubs as vantage points between short foraging bouts.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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