I don't have a photo yet but we are seeing a regular visitor to our garden in Templestowe, Victoria. About 20cm in size with a profile similar to a Kingfisher. Black head, greyish back, whitish front - the most sigificant thing is a white band around its neck.
We are not particularly near any water. We have seen it catch and eat insects that we think are dragon flies. It also makes quite a noise which again at this stage I can't describe. I have looked right through my bird book and the search tool in this website but so far nothing seems to fit.
I hope a few suggestions can be made and then I can investigate further.
Thank you.
How about a Grey Butcherbird possie? They have a heavy kingfisher type beak?
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Cracticus-torquatus
Thank you so much Holly. That is indeed the bird. Disappointed that it not more exotic and surprised I have never seen one before - I have seen other Butcherbirds.
A correct response in 4 minutes. This must be some kind of record! A mystery no more.
Hi possie, wecome to the forum!I have a pair of Grey Butcherbirds in my backyard, I do like them, even if they often eat some of my favorite little lizzards, when they have babies.
M-L
Sorry, I wanted to say "welcome!!
M-L
Nothing to be disappointed about possie! They are gorgeous birds with an amazing call - one of my favourite bird calls. I got super excited when I had a family show up at my place.