Hi everyone..
We have been really priveledged recently, with the arrival of an Eastern Whip Bird. They have passed through over the years many times but now, one appears to be taking up residence here.
The crack-like whip they make, has been easily recognizable without having the need to see them. But recently, I became aware of their presence through the other sounds they make.
We had been hearing from time to time, this bird in the undergrowth making a range of calls and sounds but found the bird quite illusive to see clearly. And then one day, he flew out from the bush into a tree and made his characterisitc whip-crack. I also got a clear look and knew immediately it was the whip bird.
But was is so amazing is the extensive range of other sounds this bird makes. I'm becoming convinced he is an imitator like the Lyre Bird. . I have managed to record some of it which makes fascinating listening, but there appears to be no means of posting a sound file on this site.
Published knowledge on the Whip bird is scant. What I am keen to know is and hoping some of you may know includes...
Are the extensive calls made by the male or the female?
Are the scrub-foriging habits similar for both male and female?
Anything else about this fascinating bird.
cheers
You are very lucky to have seen one. I had them on my property for years now, but only ever seen one three times. Have you taken any photos? I also have some Lyrebirds out the back, at the neighbour's place, there is a creek , frens and it's very damp, typical Lyrebird country. The Lyrebirds imitate the Whip Bird though, they call VERY loudly, I can never tell who is calling.
Every time I hear them, I go outside, no luck yet. Still hoping.
M-L
No photoes. Very challenging. They are ground hoppers. Love to hide under very low shrubbery. They particularly love Azalias and other shrubs that hug the ground where they can hide. Makes viewing difficult. But I have seen fleeting glances many times. They have that characteristic crest on their head. Painfully shy.
I actually saw him once, talking to dead lear. Very funnyl
I have disturbed them several times in the nursery hoping between pots.
Pitty I can't share the recording.
We also have Lyre birds but seldom see them. they come early in the moring and just leave a mess.
I just don't know if it's male or female.
R
innkeeper, I understand the male makes the first part of the call, a long whistle followed by a whip crack. The female makes the second part of the call, a rapidly repeated twew, twew (or as Morcombe says in his field guide, "tchew-tchew"). If you have both parts then you have a couple. The male is more distinctive in appearance with a more pronounced crest than the female.
I got the below Eastern Whipbird pics at Wyrrabalong NP, Gosford in early August ......... and consider myself very lucky as they are very active birds and hardly stay still.
the 2nd (female) pic is not very good, she had been on the path for a minute but facing the other way and then suddenly dashed off to the left.
Peter
Yep... the piccys are spot on.
You're right about being active... you were fortunate to see one the open.
I'm not to sure about the comment on the sounds though. I have not found this to be the case.
The chattering that goes on is very distinct from the Whip Crack which does not occur during this time at all. That's not to say that it doesn't happen. Just haven't heard that.
Is there anyway of posting a sound clip on this site?
I don't know about posting recordings and suggest you contact Admin
Peter
Here is a whipbird recording my Canadian friend made about two years ago. It's a really cool sequence, I have not heard it until this day.
http://amatteroflight.com/gallery2/v/sounds/MitchellPkEasternWhipbird.mp3.html