Location: Gympie, Queensland.
My partner and I observed a bird appearing to be maybe a Australian Raven or Torresian Crow perched on our clothesline. It made a call I would associate with the raven or crow, but I can't be certain. However, this bird had a strip of white or silver feathers along the wings.
We disagree about the placement of the feathers though. Using this chart as a reference, I thought the primary and secondary coverts were white, but my partner thought it was only the marginal coverts.
Unfortunately we were unable to take a photo of the bird and considering the number of other similar birds in the area the chances of capturing something is low.
Any ideas?
Update: Forgot to mention it had the white eye of a raven/crow.
White-Winged Chough?
Looking at the White-Winged Chough page here and wikipedia, I can say for certain this wasn't the bird we saw. Thank you though!
I managed to snap a few photos of the bird as it came and went this morning. Sorry for the poor quality. I'll try get something clearer in the coming days.
Photo 1: Bird on the ground - you can see a small patch of white on the wing.
Photo 2: Bird with partner or child? - the second bird also has a few white patches too, though not visible here.
Photo 3: Bird in flight - strip of white feathers on the wings, and small white patch on the upper tail area.
I also found this page on the Museum Victoria site:
Pigment variations in birds are well known. When a dark-coloured bird exibits white feathers, it is called albinism; when a light-coloured bird exhibits black feathers it is called melanism. Other colours shifts can also occur; feathers can appear as brown, cream, or even yellow. In the crows and ravens the principal colour shift is towards either white or brown with some creamy birds occasionally seen.
Could this be what we're seeing? A Torresian Crow with albinism?
The colour of the eye suggests more likely a Torresian Crow. Interesting - I will keep an eye on some expert opinion. Thanks for posting.
A Torresion Crow with Albanism, very interesting!