The pilotbird is a species of passerine bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is monotypic within the genus Pycnoptilus. The species is endemic to south-eastern Australia.
Region
Southeast Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in coastal and montane ranges of New South Wales and eastern Victoria, favoring wet sclerophyll forests and temperate rainforests. It keeps to ferny gullies, dense understory with bracken and tree-ferns, and along creeks with deep leaf litter. Most activity is on or near the ground, often beneath eucalypts and around fallen logs. It is closely associated with habitats used by superb lyrebirds and may accompany them while foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pilotbird is a secretive, ground-loving songbird of the Acanthizidae that is monotypic in its genus. Its name comes from its habit of following superb lyrebirds, catching insects they flush from leaf litter. It keeps to dense understory in wet forests and is more often heard than seen. Pairs maintain territories year-round and give loud, ringing duets.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that hold territories year-round. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, often domed or well-concealed, with clutches of 2–3 eggs in spring to summer. Foraging is mostly on foot, flicking leaf litter and probing among ferns and logs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a loud, clear, ringing whistle given in repeated phrases, often from hidden perches. Pairs may duet antiphonally, and contact calls are sharp chips from the undergrowth.
