Took this today at Jerrabomberra Wetlands (Canberra, A.C.T. (just for Woko
) )
At first i thought it was just dirty but the streaks look to consistent.
It is a Liitle Pied Cormorant but could it be a Juvi or breeding plumage?
It was with 4 others that were clean looking and when one of the others landed near it, it seemed to be begging for food?
little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos)-8144 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos)-8144 by rawshorty, on Flickr
.
little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos)-8219 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url]little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos)-8219 by rawshorty, on Flickr
Iron or other metal deposits are what causes this discoloration I think. It's when the birds spend a lot of time in contaminated water. Some bird guide books mention this.
Thanks, Canonguy.
I thought this would be the answer i would get, he is just so neatly dirty.
Oh well, makes an interesting pic anyway.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Have seen some like that, though first impressions look like somewhat like late afternoon light.
Is Jerrabomberra Wetlands that contaminated?
I doubt there has to be that much contamination. Also, the birds would not just be swimming in one wetland. Could be farm dams around that have higher levels of metals.....
May be tannin cause by paperbarks etc ?
See it! Hear it!
Mid-North Coast NSW
saw the same today at the wetlands at Forbes
Since I have all my bird guides in storage I just had a chance to check one. My Pizzey & Knight suggest rusty staining from impurities in the water. Not sure where I read metals, but I'm sure I did read about that as well.