Crimson chat

Epthianura tricolor

(Photo from Animal Picture Archive)

Common name:

crimson chat (en); eptianuro-escarlate (pt); epthianure tricolore (fr); eptianuro tricolor (es); scharlachtrugschmätzer (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Passeriformes

Family Epthianuridae

Range:

This species is endemic to Australia, being found throughout the inland, western, and southern coasts of Australia, and occasionally in south-eastern and eastern Australia.

Size: 
The crimson chat is 11-13 cm long and weigh 11 g.

Habitat:These birds are found in semi-arid and arid regions mainly dominated by open scrublands, dunes, plains or grasslands. They are sometimes also found in farmland.

Diet:Crimson chats are omnivorous, eating insects and other invertebrates, as well as seeds and nectar.

Breeding:These birds breed in July-December. They build a small, round, cup-shaped nest using grass, twigs or plant stems in low scrubs close to the ground. There the female lays 2-4 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 10-14 days. The chicks are raised by both parents and fledge 10-14 days after hatching.

Conservation:

IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)

This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be sometimes numerous. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.