It's a hot & overcast, windy day today so it was unusual to see a White-naped Honeyeater on the brim of our bird bath. We have occasional visits from a White-naped Honeyeater or two or three in late autumn or winter so this was a little out of season.
Also unusual was the head which is usually black. On this individual it appeared that about 50% of the black had been scraped off exposing white beneath. I wondered if this indentified it as a juvenile although I saw no brown coloring on it.
Could it have damage to the head feathers, Woko? I remember seeing a Grey Shrike-thrush in WA that seemed to be trying out a monk's hair-do.
Maybe, Sue, but I couldn't reall tell.
Two more sightings of a White-naped Honeyeater in the last few days both times with an all-black cap. (No, it wasn't from New Zealand).
Must be wonderful to have your backyard, Woko. Thinking of the first post, partially leucystic? or whatever the term should be.
Yes, Sue, it's almost like being at home! Ms Woko & I are very lucky to have our property with its space & wildlife. In these covid confining times it has been wonderfully fortuitous that we began our revegetation work nearly 33 years ago & now have so much to observe, record & enjoy. So far I've no need to engage in social media to lighten my days.
As for the possible leucystic (or whatever) head on the honeyeater I hadn't thought of that. It's a possibility, I guess, although I'm far from an expert (probably a good thing in these social distancing times) on this issue.
Stay safe & healthy!