These birds were in a group of 8 or 10 hawking for insects in a swallow-like fashion over a flooded area of farmland. I've never seen such large (>20cm i reckon)swallow-like birds. I've included some photos and i apologize for the quality but never-the-less they provide info.
photo1. large area of white underneath. Zooming in on the original shows a forked-tail and a hint of light-coloured throat.
photo2. white rump almost to the tip of the tail.
photo3. boomerang shape. some plumed whistling ducks taking off.
I was thinking forked-tail swift, but white rump.
I was thinking Needletail but no white throat.
then i saw the Pratincoles.
what do you reckon?
Thanks Denis, I appreciate your efforts.
I hope they're still around as I'm going looking for them today so I can get better, closer photos, as I now have a good idea of what to look for.
Interesting website that one of yours.
Cupladaze
Almost certainly Oriental Pratincoles.
Pictures taken on the Townville towncommon.(flying Nov 06, on ground Dec 07)
Flying
And again
And what to look for on the ground
Happy hunting.
Ed
Ed Townsville NQ
Thanks Ed, for the info and the photos.
I've heard that they are not seen up here very often. Is this your experience with these birds.
By the way, my photos were taken just south of Barratta Ck so not too far from yours. I've been back twice but there was no sign of them.
J, Burdekin District
Cupladaze
Not often in our part of the world.
We had a mixed flock (Oriental and Australian)on the Towncommon for a few weeks in Nov 06 and a flock of about 20 Orientals again on the Towncommon in Dec 07. Locally that's the only times I've seen them.
Ed
Ed Townsville NQ
G'day ed
I found a couple again and this time I got a clear view and was able to identify them. Photos not as good as yours so i won't post them - too far away.
By the way, what finches do you see at the Townsville town common.
Zebra Finch
Double-barred Finch
Nutmeg Finch
Chestnut Breasted Mannikin
Finches on the common. Very few at present.
My records for '07 ......
Zebras only twice in Jan & Apr.
Chestnut breasted May to Oct.
Nutmegs all months except Dec.
Double Barred All months.
Only Double Barred so far in '08.
I try to visit the area once a week.
Ed
Ed Townsville NQ
Thanks ed
I get all those around here although I've only seen one zebra. Also plenty of Crimson Finches here. Lately I've seen some Black-throated Finches (white-rump variety) also, and i'm looking for Plum-headed finches (only seen one last year)
John
John
Many years since I've seen Plums on the Common. Crimson and BTF. as far as I know not recorded on the Common, have seen both out on the western side of town, but not often.
Ed
Ed Townsville NQ
Just slightly south of you guys (near Emerald), I've seen plum-headed finches for the first time this year. And then only a couple of times but several of them each time. I'm thinking it could be because of the amount of rain we've had this year. First spotted on a puddle on the road then in a tree in our yard. Sadly no photos but I was just delighted to see a new bird. Another crossed off my list.
Jenny - a bird in the hand is worth ... releasing.