[2] Commonly found in low shrublands in south-eastern inland Australia,[3] the species is distinguished by its distinctive, chirruping call.

[3] John Gould originally described P. cristatus and P. occidentalis as one species (Sphenostoma cristatum),[4] and this remained common practice until c.

[3] The chirruping wedgebill is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 18–21 cm and weighing 31-64 g.[3] Its bill is dark and wedge-shaped when mature, and horn-coloured when immature.

Key identifying features include the faint breast streaking, slightly longer tail, and repetitive chirruping call.

[7] The chirruping wedgebill is found throughout south-eastern inland Australia, inhabiting low, open shrublands with acacia species.

[3][8] Juvenile birds tend to be more widely dispersed, sometimes forming loose foraging flocks of up to 100 individuals, that wander over greater distances than the adults.

The nest consists of a loose, shallow cup of grass, twigs and bark (lined with smaller, fine material).