This could be a toughy. I had little chance yto see the bird and before I could take a photo it scuttled off. I have never seen a bird like this before. I have searched here and elsewhere but could not find a match.
Location middle reaches of the Swan in Perth, near Bayswater.. The area is parkland, but with a fair bit of riverside reeds.
The bird was brownish, with some marking, but very moderate. Its most distinctive feature was its beak, which was finch like but to the point where I was almost reminded of a puffin. It was bright orange/pinkish, I _think_ with some white markings. I am guessing the bird was ...250-300mm from tip to tip. I only saw it on foot. When I tried to get a shot, it ran into some riverside reeds. I assume it lives there.
Any help appreciated. If I get the chance I will definitely get a photo.
Nick
My guess would be a Purple swamp hen or maybe a Dusky Moorhen.Ray
Thanks for the input.
But no. I know the swamp hens and moorhens. The colour is about right on the dusky, but the beak was way more rounded and pronounced. The beak is sort of right on the swamp hen. But most of the swam hen's beak's bulk in atop its head. This one's, like a finch's or a puffin's, was much more out front.
What about a Buff-banded rail?
Thanks for trying but no cigar!
The colouring on "my" bird is far less pronounced. The markings were so faint I am not sure I just imagined them or there were shadows on the bird. Its beak was rounded and prominent: even more than a finch's. But the habitat is bang on.
Drat this thing being so shy! I have been down there a few times since and always look, but nothing.
Nick
Dusky Moorhen?
Nope!
Ray already tried that one a few posts back.
I've been down and waited for it, but as long as any people are around it stays hidden...it may be _gone_ for all I know.
Nick
Yeah, sorry. Just read you ruled them out before. Go grab a bird guide and start looking, that's my best suggestion since you ain't got a photo.
I will. I guess I was just hoping the Net would turn something up.