Western quail-thrush

Western quail-thrush is a species of bird in the family Cinclosomatidae. It is found in arid inland habitat in south-central Western Australia. It typically resides in dry woodland shrub with low understory on a stony ground. The climatic zones it is most commonly found in are semi-arid or arid.

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Distribution

Region

Western and central Australian arid zone

Typical Environment

Occurs in south-central Western Australia across semi-arid to arid shrublands and open acacia (mulga) woodlands. Prefers stony or gravelly ground with sparse low shrubs such as saltbush and bluebush, and the edges of spinifex. Frequently uses rocky breakaways, gullies, and gibber-like plains for foraging and nesting. It forages on bare ground and in leaf litter beneath shrubs, avoiding dense forests and continuously tall vegetation.

Altitude Range

0–800 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size20–24 cm

Wing Span28–33 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.06 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Western quail-thrush is a shy, ground-dwelling songbird of Australia’s arid inland, often seen running between shrubs rather than flying. Males show bold black-and-white facial markings with rufous flanks, while females are browner and more cryptic. It nests on the ground under low shrubs and relies on camouflage and stillness to avoid predators.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and cryptic

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run and fly low

Social Behavior

Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs are likely monogamous and maintain territories. Nest is a shallow scrape lined with plant material, tucked beneath a shrub or grass clump; 1–2 eggs are typical. Breeding often coincides with favorable conditions following rain.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song consists of clear, ringing whistles and short piping phrases, often delivered from a low perch or the ground. Soft contact notes and sharp ticking alarms are given when disturbed. Males vocalize most at dawn and dusk during the breeding season.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Male has grey-brown upperparts with fine mottling, a bold white eyebrow, black facial mask and throat merging into a black breast band, white underparts, and rufous flanks; female is browner with heavier streaking and duller, buff underparts. Tail often shows white edges when flicked. Overall plumage is cryptic and well-suited to stony, shrubby ground.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily consumes ground-dwelling invertebrates such as ants, beetles, spiders, and larvae. Will also take small grasshoppers and other arthropods. Seeds and small berries may be eaten opportunistically, especially in drier periods.

Preferred Environment

Forages on open, stony or gravelly ground, among leaf litter beneath saltbush, bluebush, and mulga, and around spinifex edges. Often searches near rocks, logs, and shrub bases where insects are concentrated.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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