Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
[ Site Map ] [
Rainforest Search Engine ]
Back ] Home ] Up ] Next ]



CHOWCHILLA

Chowchilla1.jpg (11665 bytes)
Photo: C & D Frith
Wet Tropics Rainforest Life


ENDEMIC Tropical North QLD

CHOWCHILLA: Orthonyx spaldingii 27 cm

  • The Chowchilla is endemic to the Wet Tropics region.

  • Except in the wettest regions, it is restricted to upland rainforests.

  • It forages in family groups in leaf litter, where it scratches vigorously.

  • Its loud calls vary from place to place so that many local dialects are identifiable.

  • It is also known as the Northern Logrunner, and is one of only two logrunner species.
  • In the past it was also referred to as Spalding’s Spinetail.
  • Its tail has adapted to aid in searching for food as it has strong spiny shafts which the bird is able to prop itself against whilst leaning backwards. It then uses one foot to throw leaf litter aside in search for animals to eat. As it does this, the litter tends to cover the bird itself, and it almost disappears from sight.
  • Each flock has its own permanent territory, and groups of approximately 3 to 8 move about quickly together. The birds in each group are probably closely related.
  • At dawn and dusk the Chowchillas sing loudly, a characteristic sound of the upland rainforests. Their strong chorus is similar to that of a lyrebird’s call.
  • Males and females can be distinguished by their different breast colours; males have a white colour and females have an orange-brown colour, sometimes with a small white patch below.
  • The breeding season is from April to November.
  • the Chowchilla is numerous nearby  Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge   at Lake Barrine.

RETURN TO BIRD INDEX


Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
PH & Fax: 07 4095 3754 International: 61 7 4095 3754

http://www.rainforest-australia.com/accommodation


Book Online Now

A great Australian rainforest experience

Click Here To Send An Email

[Accommodation ]
[One Bedroom Lodge] [Five Bedroom Lodge] [Guest Lounge
[Directions] [Bookings] [Weather] [Search Engines]
[
Birdwatching Opportunities at The Chambers] [Bushwalking Opportunities at The Chambers]
[Rainforest Environment Surrounding The Chambers] [Nocturnal Animals at The Chambers]
[
Atherton Tableland Natural Attractions You Can See During Your Stay at The Chambers]
[Travel Information for Australia]
[ Tour Group Photos ]

All content, layout and design in this website
are protected by copyright 1998-2017 John Chambers.