Orange Chat

The orange chat (Epthianura aurifrons) is endemic to Australia. Orange chats are usually 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in) in length, 10–12 g (0.35–0.42 oz) in weight and have an average wingspan of 19 cm (7.5 in). The orange chat is a small ground songbird with relatively long, broad, rounded wings and a short, square-ended tail. The orange chat is potbellied in shape with long thin legs, a short slender straight bill and a brush-tipped tongue. Male feathers are mostly a deep, warm, cadmium yellow with an orange overtone, and this colour is strongest on the crown and breast. Voice: Most calls of the orange chat are a vibrant, metallic twang tang and a softer tchek tchek. Calls do not form a significant part of territorial activity, although the male clicks his bill when flying at intruders; this is often accompanied by a squeak. A soft shu-shu-shu is used by males to call females to them. A louder shu-shu-shu call is used when feigning injury by both sexes.