Logrunners

The logrunners are two species of birds in the family Orthonychidae. They were previously considered conspecific, but as they differ significantly, they are now generally considered separate species. The family Orthonychidae also contains a third species, the chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii).

Description

Logrunners have a length ranging from 17 to 20 cm. On the other hand, the bulky chowchilla is significantly larger, measuring around 26 to 28 cm in length. Chowchillas are characterized by their dark brown coloration on the upper parts of their bodies, a black head, and a blue-gray eye ring. Logrunners, on the other hand, display a patterned combination of olive, gray, and mottled black plumage. Male logrunners feature a white throat, while females have a rufous throat and upper breast.

Distribution

The Australian logrunner lives in the humid lowland forest along the eastern coast of Australia. The Papuan logrunner is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea's tropical montane forests. Chowchillas live in the rain forests of northeastern Queensland.

Species

• New Guinea logrunner (Orthonyx novaeguineae).
• Australian logrunner (Orthonyx temminckii).
• Chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii)

References

• Del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Christie D. (editors). (2006). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-84-96553-42-2