About Calamanthus cautus (Gould, 1843)
Calamanthus cautus (Gould, 1843) is a bird species. Adults of this species have cocked tails, and a chestnut rump that darkens toward the tip. The underparts are covered in white feathers marked with brown streaking; the back and crown are greyish-brown. This bird has a white eyebrow, white tail tip, and a white patch on its flight feathers, as well as a black bill. Its eyes range from brown to yellowish-brown, and its legs are slate-brown. Females have slightly duller plumage than males, and immature birds have even duller colouring, with some immature individuals having fawn-coloured underparts. Fully grown adults measure 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) in total length. This species is an uncommon resident across a large area of southern Australia. Its range extends from near West Wyalong in New South Wales to the Murchison River in Western Australia. In New South Wales, the species occurs in two isolated populations: one located between Leeton, Willandra National Park, Nymagee, and West Wyalong, and the other stretching from Balranald to Trentham Cliffs. Within New South Wales, Calamanthus cautus is classified as threatened and vulnerable, primarily due to human-caused habitat loss, and predation by foxes and cats.
