White-fronted Chat

1. Males show white face and underparts with bold black breast band

2. Birds run rather than hop when foraging on the ground

3. Listen for distinctive "tang" calls that sound like plucked rubber bands

Look for White-fronted Chats in coastal saltmarshes, wetlands, and damp areas with low vegetation across southern Australia from Western Australia around to southern Queensland, including Tasmania. They're typically found foraging on the ground or perched on low vegetation, particularly in the early morning. These birds often gather in small flocks of up to 2 individuals, running actively along the ground as they search for insects. A helpful tip: scan areas with temporary flooding or recent rain where insects are abundant \- their white plumage makes them stand out against dark mud.

These native birds have long been part of Australia's coastal ecosystems. Interestingly, the Sydney suburb of Chatswood was named after this species, which was once common in the area but is now restricted to just two small populations in Sydney's wetlands.