Pilotbird
A species of Pilotbird Scientific name : Pycnoptilus floccosus Genus : Pilotbird
Pilotbird, A species of Pilotbird
Botanical name: Pycnoptilus floccosus
Genus: Pilotbird
Content
Description General Info
Description
The pilotbird is a large, plump species of acanthizid, measuring around 18 centimetres (7.1 in) in length and weighing 27 grams (0.95 oz). The plumage of the underparts is reddish-brown with scalloping on the chest and the centre of the belly speckled dull white. The upperparts are chocolate-brown. The bill is short and finely pointed. Its tail is broad and semi-erect, and flicked up and down when feeding. 
Size
19 cm
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Pilotbird primarily consumes insects such as beetles, wasps, ants, moths, and phasmids, with occasional seeds and fruits from Panicum, Geranium, and others. Pilotbird forages on ground, turning debris and tossing leaf litter, often following Superb Lyrebirds to feed on prey they disturb.
Habitat
The pilotbird is typically found in the ground layer of temperate wet sclerophyll forests and may also reside in dry sclerophyll, moist gulleys, and dense undergrowth on ridges. On occasion, pilotbird can inhabit temperate rainforests and coastal sandlands. This bird favors environments characterized by a rich mosaic of vegetation, providing ample cover and foraging opportunities within broader temperate zones.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
Its name comes from its supposed habit of following lyrebirds, taking prey that they flush, and also from its call guiding bushmen seeking for lyrebirds. This habit is well known but seldom observed. The pilotbird is highly terrestrial, feeding on or near the ground and when disturbed it runs swiftly on strong legs. Its call has been described as "piercing and sweet". The male makes a far-carrying call of wit-wit-weet-WHEER to which the female may respond with a softer wit-a-wit-ee.
Distribution Area
The pilotbird is found from the Wollemi National Park and Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales through to the Dandenong Ranges, near Melbourne in Victoria. Its natural habitat is temperate wet sclerophyll forests and occasionally temperate rainforest, where there is dense undergrowth with abundant debris. It is sedentary and common.
Species Status
The pilotbird is fairly common within its small range, which has reduced as a result of forest clearance and urban development, but much of its habitat is within national parks or reserves. Its habitat is also threatened by climate change, severe weather and bushfires; nevertheless, the most recent assessment in October 2016 classified the pilotbird as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Australasian warblers Genus
Pilotbird Species
Pilotbird 
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