Chiming Wedgebill
NameChiming Wedgebill
Common NameChiming Wedgebill
Scientific NamePsophodes occidentalis
FamilyPsophodidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly sandy-brown to grey-brown, appearing paler on the underparts. It features a prominent, spiky crest and a long, dark tail with noticeable white tips on the outer feathers. A subtle dark wedge-shaped mark is present on the side of the head.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, ringing, bell-like call, often described as a series of metallic 'chime-chime-chime' or 'tchoo-tchoo-tchoo' notes. The call is complex, far-carrying, and highly characteristic of the species.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia, extending into parts of South Australia and the Northern Territory, typically found in mallee, acacia woodlands, and spinifex grasslands.
Identifying FeaturesProminent spiky crest, Long, graduated tail with white tips, Sandy-brown plumage, Loud, bell-like 'chime' call, Dark wedge-shaped mark on face
Description
The Chiming Wedgebill is a medium-sized, terrestrial bird characterized by its prominent crest and long, graduated tail. It is renowned for its distinctive, loud, bell-like vocalizations that carry far across its arid habitat.
