Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Aphelocephala pectoralis Scientific name definitions

9–10·5 cm; 9 g. Has entire facial area off-white, narrowly bordered black along upper edge, thin black line from centre of forehead to bill, indistinct short thin dusky streak behind eye; crown to neck and ear-coverts greyish , fine dusky streaking on crown , dusky mottling on ear-coverts; upperparts rufous-brown; tail black, merging to pale brown at base, narrow white tips on all except central rectrices, narrow white edge on outer feathers; upperwing black-brown, pale bar across greater coverts; white below, broad pale chestnut breastband merging into white throat but clearly demarcated from white belly (breast­band varies, sometimes paler and with narrow and irregular black blotching along lower edge), flanks heavily blotched chestnut; iris creamy, sometimes with faint bluish tinge; bill and legs grey-black to black. Sexes alike. Juvenile has less distinct facial pattern than adult, lacking black border, also much paler and less distinct breastband and flank markings, iris bluish-grey, pinkish-brown base of lower mandible.

C South Australia (centred around Mt Lyndhurst, Oodnadatta and Coober Pedy).

Chenopod shrublands in open stony desert and semi-arid areas, often on stony hills or rises and gibber tablelands; has liking for patchy cover of bluebush (Maireana), Eremophila and saltbush (Atriplex). Avoids more vegetated creeklines.

Resident; numbers fluctuate according to local conditions and severity of drought.

Arthropods and seeds. Arthropods include beetles (Coleoptera, including genera Foramicomus and Polyphrades), lepidopteran larvae, wasps (Hymenoptera), orthopterans, and pentatomid bugs; seeds eaten include those of genera Panicum, Setaria, Epacris, Sida and Portulaca. Forages in twos (probably pairs) or in small flocks of 5–7 individuals, occasionally up to 12. Feeds on ground. Occasionally occurs together with both congeners in one flock; forages with either or both in areas where tree-lined watercourses lie alongside gibber-chenopod habitats, and also forages with A. nigricincta in or near sandy areas, and on gravel of mine-tailings on arid hillside. Associates with Cinnamon Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma cinnamomeum). Often wary, may fly long distances when disturbed, perching up on bushes, before dropping to resume feeding; can also be confiding.

Song based on rising “swee” phrases. Thin musical, trilling, twittering sound often given in flight; soft insect-like ticking seems to be a contact call. Calls weaker and softer than those of congeners.

Poorly known. Recorded in Aug–Sept. Performs display-flights, also sings after rains when breeding. Globular nest, with entrance “spout” or hole at side near top, made of twigs, or twigs and grass, lined with wool, fur, soft plant material or fine feathers, sited low in small shrub, often bluebush. Clutch 2–4 eggs, pale pinkish with darker purple-grey markings; nestlings fed by both parents; no information on incubation and nestling periods.

Not globally threatened. Currently considered Near-threatened. Restricted-range species: present in South Australian Desert Secondary Area. Rare to scarce. Confined to a small area of arid South Australia ; reported occurrence in adjacent Northern Territory unconfirmed. Vulnerable to overgrazing and severe drought. Some significant areas of habitat have been destroyed by opal-mining operations.