Psophodes
| Psophodes | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Eastern whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Psophodidae |
| Genus: |
Psophodes Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 |
Psophodes is a genus of four, or possibly five, species of songbirds endemic to Australia, known as whipbirds and wedgebills.
Whipbirds and wedgebills are collectively recognised in the genus Psophodes. Wedgebills are divided into the chirruping wedgebill (Psophodes cristatus) and the chiming wedgebill (Psophodes occidentalis). Whipbirds are divided into the eastern whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) and the western whipbird (Psophodes nigrogularis). Both the whipbirds residing in Australia are known to be endangered.
Psophodes are shy, medium sized, insectivorous birds that live in the undergrowth. Characteristics of Psophodes include the presence of a crest and a heavy, laterally compressed bill. They have a long tail with strongly developed legs and feet as well as short rounded wings. Wedgebills have their sixth and seventh primary feathers as well as the bends in the edges of the wings in white. The[wedgebill has eight restrices on the outside tipped with white, while the whipbird has only six white tips. Their movements in walking, bowing, and postures are almost identical between whipbirds and wedgebills.
The chirruping wedgebill and the chiming wedgebill are plain grey-brown in appearance with small crests. The two wedgebills are nearly undecipherable except for their vocalisations and song. In contrast, the whipbirds (eastern and western) whilst sharing many similarities with the wedgebills, are evidently different, especially in plumage. The majority are olive-green with white malar patches, as well as black throats or upper chests. The vocalisations of the western whipbird are very similar to the wedgebills, however, the eastern whipbird differs once again in vocalisation. The eastern whipbird’s plumage is similar to that of the western whipbird, however, they have a far more conspicuous white malar patches and are a richer olive-green colour.
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Wikipedia