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Photo by Mat & Cathy
Santa Teresa Rd, nr Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, April 2009

Stipiturus ruficeps

[edit] Identification

• 12-13 cms (including tail)
• 6.5-7.5 cms (excluding tail) - would be Australia's smallest bird, if not for the tail.
• The lightest Australian bird, weighing less than 5g.
• Male is deep violet/blue set against rufous

[edit] Distribution

Australia- From north-west coast through the interior of the continent to inland Queensland. Thought to be common.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

[edit] Habitat

Found in spinifex bushes, including on dunes, ranges and the plains.

[edit] Behaviour

Active early. Uses spinifex as a vantage point, before disappearing into cover. Makes short flights over the bushes.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Field Guide to Australia Birds (Michael Morcombe, 2003)

• List of references

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID