Unidentified

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rbuddy
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Unidentified

Having difficulty identifying this visitor that forages near our dam.  It has  distinctive yellow head markings. Would welcome some input as it doesn't appear in our bird books.

zosterops
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Hi Rbuddy,
I'd say Cattle Egret for this one. 

rbuddy
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Thanks Zosterops.  Is it unusual for them to have these yellow markings?  

zosterops
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I believe this feature may signify the bird being in breeding condition. 

BabyBirdwatcher
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I can second the sand colouration is their breeding plumage

Babybirdwatcher

BabyBirdwatcher
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I can second that the sand colouration on the head and neck is part og their breeding plumage

Babybirdwatcher

rbuddy
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Thank you both.  Great to have it clarified.

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