This bird was in a group, and incredibly active. They were in the company of a large, equally busy group Silver-Eyes. Just couldn't get a great shot, even though they were there for some time. I don't think I've seen these before. Are they Weebills?
| Term and Conditions | Privacy Statement | Web Support by Gaia Resources Hosted by Serversaurus |  |
I think that's a buff-rumped thornbill, Roger.They're usually on the ground whereas weebills are always in the foliage of trees. Weebills often flutter rapidly at the outer edges of tree foliage.
Roger the Michael Morcombe field guide specifically states that the Weebill lacks the speckling on the forehead and I would agree with Woko here. It is a very sweet little bird and a nice catch anyway .
Sunshine Coast Queensland
That's great! I thought the beak was wrong .... and thanks Birdie - I think I might have to invest in a copy. You don't know of a book that specialises in Thornbills do you?
Hmmm. Just re read Woko's note. .... these birds were on the ground but also very often "flutter rapidly at the outer edges of tree foliage". Now I am not sure but I think the Michael Morcombe speckling comment seals it.
Roger
(PS. Still not receiving notifications by email - anyone else having the same problem?)
Roger..re your notifications... are you ticking the box that requests a of a reply when you originally post?? Mine are working fine .
I dont know of a book that specialises in Thornbills but I have the Simpson & Day Field guide, and more recently the Michael Morcombe one which I like because I find it gives more detail in the illustrations. I also like to use the Readers Digest Australian Birds too.
There are lots of different ones and it is individual preference I guess. I would be lost without them and have learned a lot from them.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
What a gorgeous little bird Roger, they are so difficult to identify. I love tiny birds, and this is a very nice shot of one.
M-L
Yes the box is ticked and I just got two emails, maybe the problem is at my end? Never mind.
and M-L (Marie - Louise?) I particularly like Thornbills, I don't think most people I show my photos to, really appreciate just how tiny they are. I think I have read older posts of yours and maybe you aren't far away, Glenburn, Kinglake area? Anyway, we seem to have a lot of the same birds, and like everyone else, love your entertaining comments.
Roger
I was thinking just that Roger when I put that picture of the Gerygone up a few days ago ..... they look so big and of course those unfamiliar with small birds cannot imagine how hard it is to even see them let alone get a catch of them!!! I think the only reason I mananged to see this one was i was wearing my new distance glasses ( from Specsavers too!!! LOL)
Sunshine Coast Queensland
I've yet to see one, thought I have a couple of time but BIB id's set me straight. I live in hope.
Just be sure to wear your magnifying glasses as they are pretty small and blend in totally..even worse than Thornbills I think LOL. I saw them by accident as there was a cheeky Wagtail taunting me from the branches and suddenly I was aware that there was something else flitting around .
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Hi Roger. I think what I said was "They're usually on the ground whereas weebills are always in the foliage of trees. Weebills often flutter rapidly at the outer edges of tree foliage." Hope that clarifies it for you.
By the way, I appreciated your shots of the buff-rumped thornbills, a species I haven't seen for a long while. It's nice to know they still exist!