I would like opinions on the identity of a pair of birds seen in the
Pilliga Forest, NW NSW (approx 31 deg S and 149 deg E) in October
2000. These birds were seen by 3 experienced birdwatchers, but often
just fleetingly.
The 2 birds were on or near the ground, and in and around thick
vegetation in a dry creekbed.
Length 15-17 cm including tail, which was cocked. The most striking
feature of the birds was the cocked tail, which widened towards the
end, and had a prominent rufous band at the base of the dark brown
tail. There was a slightly darker sub-terminal band on the tail.
The dorsal surface was plain dark brown (like the tail), with wings
slightly darker than the body.
The chest was rufous-brown streaked darker brown (streaking
indistinct). The abdomen was off-white (pale buff).
The bill and legs were dark. The bill was medium length and straight.
There was no eyebrow.
The contact call was a very quiet "tzit-tzit-tzit" of medium-high
pitch. Another call heard was a "chap-chap-chap" call.
Although the birds did not look like immatures, our only reasonable
guess is that they were immature Chestnut-rumped Heathwrens. However,
none of the various field guides depict the immatures of this
species, so we were at a loss to identify these secretive birds.
Any suggestions?
Regards,
Helen Stevens
--
Helen Stevens
"Chitty"
Tibuc Road
Coonabarabran NSW 2357
Ph: (02) 6842 2350
email:
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