Brush Bronzewing
A species of Australian Bronzewings Scientific name : Phaps elegans Genus : Australian Bronzewings
Brush Bronzewing, A species of Australian Bronzewings
Botanical name: Phaps elegans
Genus: Australian Bronzewings
Content
Description General Info
Description
The brush bronzewing is similar in size and shape to the closely related common bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera), however it's shorter and stockier in appearance. These birds are relatively small and range in size from 25 to 33 cm. Sexual dimorphism is apparent in these birds. Both sexes are dark-olive brown on top, rich chestnut in colour along the nape and shoulder with blue-grey underparts. The brush bronzewing is named for the iridescent bars of blue and green across the inner secondary feather of each wing. 
Size
33 cm
Feeding Habits
Brush Bronzewing consumes seeds, berries, and insects, foraging alone or in pairs on the ground. They ingest grit to help digest seeds and display cautious watering behavior at dawn or dusk. Food availability influences their local movements.
Habitat
The brush Bronzewing is commonly found in dense, vegetative environments, flourishing in woodland and shrubland areas. Its preferred habitats are characterized by thick understory elements such as coastal heathland, wet sclerophyll forests, Leptospermum scrub, and dense mallee. It tends to occupy habitats with more coverage and underbrush compared to related species, which favor more open spaces.
Dite type
Granivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The brush bronzewing is endemic to Australia, found in the South-West and South-East of the mainland with populations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and also Tasmania. The subspecies P. elegans occidentalis occurs as a geographically distinct population, in the southwest of WA. This species favours dense coastal heathland, wet or dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and some mallee areas. Habitats with dense shrub layers and foliage, including native species such as Banksia, Acacia, Melaleuca or Leptospermum, allow these cautious birds to find cover.
Species Status
The brush bronzewing is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and considered by BirdLife Australia to have secure populations in all states it occurs in. Like many other ground-dwelling bird species, the bronze brushwing is threatened by introduced predators such as cats and foxes. Like several other species, it appears to have increased toxicity to non-native mammalian predators due to feeding on Gastrolobium plants, which may contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity in south-west Western Australia.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pigeons and doves Family
Dove Genus
Australian Bronzewings Species
Brush Bronzewing 
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