About Epthianura tricolor Gould, 1841
Crimson chats (Epthianura tricolor Gould, 1841) are typically 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in) long and weigh 10–11 g (0.35–0.39 oz). They have long, thin legs, a pointed, downward-curving bill, and a tongue tipped with a brush-like structure. Adult males have brown body plumage, a red crown and underparts, a black eye mask, and a white throat. Females and juvenile crimson chats share a similar color pattern, but their markings are paler. Males are generally more brightly colored than females, particularly during the breeding season to attract mates. Crimson chats inhabit deserts, semi-arid regions, woodlands, grasslands, and coastal shrublands across central Australia, spanning from the west coast to the Great Dividing Range, and from the tropics to the south coast. They most often occupy drier areas located on the edges of wet regions. They live in multiple types of shrubland, including saltbush, bluebush, acacia, and samphire shrublands. When local rainfall is too low to produce enough nutrients for the birds to eat, they move to wetter areas. Flocks of crimson chats may wander across wide areas within their range to track rainfall, and this nomadic movement allows them to locate the best sources of flowers and nectar. Unlike many migratory bird species, crimson chats do not undertake regular seasonal migrations.
