This is the first time I have seen this bird. It was enjoying our grevillea and spent a lot of time in and around it. At first I thought it was an Eastern spinebill, as there has been one in that bush a few times... but then I noticed that although the shape and lines were right, the colour was not.
I believe this is a Crescent Honeyeater. It had a loud, almost harsh, "chEWi" call... was quite loud and busy.
- soakes
It looks like the picture of a crescent honeyeater in my field guide and the distribution includes Melbourne. Lovely looking bird - lucky you!
Excellent capture, Soakes.
Definitely a Crescent HE.
Probably returning to the Dandenongs (or similar area) to breed. They are a bird of wet gullies, but stray into suburbia out of breeding season.
Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Good onya Soakes and thanks mate I have never seen one.
It is always good to spot a new bird, especially one as pretty as this. Not quite as pretty as an Eastern spinebill, but not bad - and full of character too.
- soakes
soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia
Nicely captured soakes, feather markings are not unlike the New Holland Honeyeater.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
great shots soakes..
,
like tark, i thought the wing marking were like the New HOlland/White-cheeked HE..
,
cheers,
steve
Yes, you're right the wing markings are similar. It is the head and chest markings that distinguish it as a crescent honeyeater.
Actually, I don't think these photos do it justice.
- soakes
soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia
What a gorgeous visitor and very nice shots, too. It must have been a thrill to see this species in your garden. Were they taken here in Melbourne or your Gippsland property ?
Cheers,
George
Melbourne, VIC
HI Soakes
Never seen one before nice bird thanks for showing.
Hi George,
this was at Gippsland. The best I can do in Melbourne is a few blackbirds, pigeons and the occasional wattlebird or butcherbird... although I did once see a kingfisher!
- soakes
soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia