ID please - Cinnamon Quail-thrush

[Julian Robinson <>]

Thanks everyone.  As usual most people replied off list (which I
think is a pity) but all agreed on Cinnamon Quail-thrush.  For the
benefit of people interested, main points were...

- habitat is only likely to suit Cinnamon.
- range is JUST possible for Chestnut but not any others, other than
Cinnamon for which it is bang in the middle.  They are common in the
area I saw this one.
- plumage as Dan says is consistent, noting that the plumage is renowned
for being variable on this bird.  Pizzey (and Doyle) points out
"recognized for a great range of shade, reflecting the colour of its
varied arid, exposed habitats".  (Mind you this was written
when Cinnamon and Chestnut-breasted were considered the same species so
those words might reflect that variation).
- my main doubt of Cinnamon was a misreading of Pizzey (and Knight) that
made me think it was rare.

Julian

At 07:44 AM 22/10/2009, you wrote:

Hi Julian
 
I am pretty sure it is a male Cinnamon Quail-thrush. The plumage tones and patterns look good to me - the illustrations of Quail-thrush are pretty lacking in some of the field guides. I think some probably show Cinnamon QT without any dark spotting on the long undertail coverts but male Cinnamons Quail-thrush will usually show dark spotting here (but not always obvious in the field). Was this the main feature putting you in doubt of Cinnamon QT?
 
The pale looking legs are also fine for Cinnamon QT - no quite as pink as for Spotted but most of the other QT species can show palish legs in strong light.
 
Anyway the plain, unstreaked rufous brown mantle and rufous flanks will immediately rule out Spotted QT and Chestnut-breasted QT.
 
I should probably add that Lyndhurst Station is a very well known spot for Cinnamon QT (although Beth and I dipped on them there!)
 
Cheers Dan
 

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Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:18:42 +1100
To:
From:
Subject: ID please

I'm going through the photos of my WA trip, hoping to identify some of the birds that were doubtful at the time.  Some still mystify me so seeking help.  I'd appreciate any thoughts from the information available in the image ...

This bird was seen at Lyndhurst Station in SA where I was obviously (and vainly) looking for a Chestnut-breasted Whiteface.  I suppose it's a Quail-thrush, but what sort of Quail-thrush is it?  It's way out of range for a Spotted. Just about in range for Chestnut and right in range for Cinnamon.  But the plumage that's visible looks more like a Spotted than either of the others. 

Can anyone throw any light?

Thanks
Julian

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