Castlereagh, NSW LBJ

7 posts / 0 new
Last post
Wollemi
Wollemi's picture
Castlereagh, NSW LBJ

Hi Everyone,

I am stumped on this bird. It is small, probably around whistler sized, we do have both rufous and golden whistler on our property, but the tail configuration of this bird does not seem to fit for me.

I have ruled out rufous whistler because of the lack of striation.

It was seen about 10am in a small scribbly gum with a lot of ti-tree understorey around on the 09/05/15.

It seemed to have a very pretty call but I struggle to be able to put into text what the call could be described as.

While trying to get a better photo it swooped right past me only a few feet away and then disappeared into the foliage of a very large scribbly gum where I could not locate it.

Castlereagh, NSW

Elsie
Elsie's picture

Could it be a female Golden whistler? It looks like it has the yellow vent. The other bird I thought when I first saw it was a Brown Honeyeater, but i'm not sure the head looks right for that smiley

Hope this helps!

Owl of Kedumba
Owl of Kedumba's picture

Wrong colour for Brown Honeyeater and I can't see the yellow triangle before eye or longish curved bill. 

Going by yellow undertail coverts, small bill and overall shape/colour I'd agree with female Golden Whistler. Can't think of any alternatives. Listen to the call on BIBY or http://www.graemechapman.com.au/library/sounds.php?c=559&p=127  sound page and see if it rings any bells.

davethewonder
davethewonder's picture

Agreed - fits female (juvenile?) Golden Whistler. 

And they do have a pretty call

Dave, Sydney. 

vas
vas's picture

I captured this female close to castlereagh a few weeks back. Looks like it may be a female Golen Whistler just like this one. The colours seem fitting too

Owl of Kedumba
Owl of Kedumba's picture

You're correct Vas, good photo too.

davethewonder
davethewonder's picture

There is interesting variation with Golden Whistlers. Notice the absence of yellow on the lower belly in the picture from vas, compared with the original from Wollemi. 

I dare say it might look closer to something like this - taken just outside the Southern Highlands. 

Dave, Sydney. 

 and   @birdsinbackyards
                 Subscribe to me on YouTube