- Pilotbird
Taxobox
name = Pilotbird
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Animalia
phylum =Chordata
classis =Aves
ordo =Passeriformes
familia =Acanthizidae
genus = "Pycnoptilus"
species = "P. floccosus"
binomial = "Pycnoptilus floccosus"
binomial_authority = Gould, 1851
synonyms = The Pilotbird ("Pycnoptilus floccosus") is a species ofbird in theAcanthizidae family. It ismonotypic within the genus "Pycnoptilus". The exact taxonomic placement of this species is disputed, as it bears some resemblance to thebristlebird s. The species is endemic to south eastNew South Wales and east Victoria inAustralia . Its naturalhabitat is temperate wet sclerophyllforest s and occasionally temperate rainforest. There are two subspecies "Pycnoptilus floccosus floccosus" lives in alpine areas of New South Wales such as theSnowy Mountains and "Pycnoptilus floccosus sandfordi" lives in lowland forest from Newcastle toMelbourne .The Pilotbird is a large, plump species of acanthizid, measuring around 18 cm in length and weighing 27 g. It has a large head and a short bill. The
plumage is mostly brown with scalloping on the chest and an orangeish throat. The species is highly terrestrial. The name of the species comes from its supposed habit of followinglyrebird s, taking prey that they flush. This habit is well known but seldom observed.ource
* BirdLife International 2004. [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/50851/all Pycnoptilus floccosus] . [http://www.iucnredlist.org 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. ] Downloaded on 27 July 2007.
References
* Del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Christie D. (editors). (2006). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 9788496553422
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