Crimson Chats are a small bird, (10-13cm) and the male's bright red colouring makes them easy to spot when they're perched on local farm fences.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their diet consists of insects and spiders, and they chase them along the ground, walking and running before flying onto a fence or into the lower part of a tree or shrub to preen. (They have the brush-tipped tongue of a Honeyeater, so can also eat nectar and some seeds.)
Predators of these gorgeous little birds include cats, foxes, snakes and ravens and if the birds feel their nest is under threat, one of them fakes an injury in order to lead the predator away. (Certain pigeons and plovers do this as well.)
Crimson Chats have a lifespan of around six years and there seemed to be a lot more than usual sighted in the Weddin during the Spring of 2019. I spotted this chap at the golf course. (I've heard about eagles and birdies in golf, but chats, not so much...)