Pilotbird

Pycnoptilus floccosus Gould, 1851

Pilotbird, Pycnoptilus floccosus, is a passerine of the family Acanthizidae that breeds in south-eastern Australia. It was first described by Gould in 1851 and is the only species in its genus. Found from the Wollemi and Blue Mountains in New South Wales to the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, it lives in temperate wet sclerophyll forest and sometimes temperate rainforest. It favours dense undergrowth with plenty of fallen material. The bird is sedentary and common within its limited range. It is a ground-dweller with a short, fine bill and a broad tail that is held semi-erect.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Acanthizidae — Australasian Warblers

Breeding range

Australasia: se Australia