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I just saw and heard some new birds in my garden, (east of Melbourne). They came out of a tree and one landed very close to my window. I’m almost certain they were 4 young or female Satin Bowerbirds. Their beaks were typical , but the overall colour was much lighter cream than in any of my books or on line. When they flew the underwing and tail looked rufous. The beak was a pale beige. When I went outside they flew back into the tree, making a sort of cat like hissing noise. Then the flew from tree to tree and disappeared. I’ll be looking for them, hope they will come back. If they are Satin Bowerbirds, I wouldn’t have looked for them in the trees. What do you think?
Hissing sound rings Satin Bowerbird bells for me.
Any hint of green tinge with the feathers?
Any idea on eye colour?
Cheers Beef.
As far as I could see the eyes looked a light brownish colour . There could have been a green tinge, but the whole bird was more cream coloured, but in flight from the back they looked more green. For me this would be the first ever sighting, but I have heard the sound before, rather loud and much like a cat. Thanks for taking some time to answer.
M-L
Sounds good for a young Satin Bowerbird; I have seen many of them in trees, however not very high; the other possibility with that sound is an 'out of range' Spotted Catbird, it is also from the Family Ptilonorhynchidae
Peter
Thanks guys. My friend who lives 5 km up the road tells me that he does have Satin Bowerbirds on his property, that makes it likely for me to have some. He was surprised though to hear there were 4 together. Anyway, I hope to see them again
M-L
We get about 4 to 5 female/juveniles to 1 adult male at most times per visit. Have a look for the emergent young blokes the beak turns white well befor the feathers turn black. Cheers Beef
Eye colour is wrong for SB. SB has very distinct blue eye.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
I saw them again , didn't get a good look at their eyes Shorty
, but I'm convinced they are young Satin Bowerbirds.
About the eyes being brown, it might have been because it was (still is) a grey and rainy day.
M-L
I can imagine your excitement if they are indeed satin bowerbirds, Araminta!