Pilotbird
NamePilotbird
Common NamePilotbird
Scientific NamePycnoptilus floccosus
FamilyAcanthizidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsOverall rich rufous-brown, darker on the head and back, with a distinctive scaly or flocculent appearance on the paler underparts, especially the breast and flanks. The tail is short and dark, and the eye is dark.
Vocalization / CallA loud, ringing 'pee-lo-wit' or 'wit-wit-wit-wit' call, often repeated and quite distinctive.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southeastern Australia, primarily found along the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales and Victoria.
Identifying Featuresstocky build, rich rufous-brown plumage, scaly underparts, distinctive loud call, ground-dwelling habit
Description
The Pilotbird is a small, stocky, ground-dwelling passerine endemic to southeastern Australia. It is characterized by its rich rufous-brown plumage and its habit of foraging in dense undergrowth, often following lyrebirds.
