A new bird

11 posts / 0 new
Last post
soakes
soakes's picture
A new bird

This is the first time I have seen this bird. It was enjoying our grevillea and spent a lot of time in and around it. At first I thought it was an Eastern spinebill, as there has been one in that bush a few times... but then I noticed that although the shape and lines were right, the colour was not.

I believe this is a Crescent Honeyeater. It had a loud, almost harsh, "chEWi" call... was quite loud and busy.

- soakes

Birdgirl2009
Birdgirl2009's picture

It looks like the picture of a crescent honeyeater in my field guide and the distribution includes Melbourne. Lovely looking bird - lucky you!

DenisWilson
DenisWilson's picture

Excellent capture, Soakes.
Definitely a Crescent HE.
Probably returning to the Dandenongs (or similar area) to breed. They are a bird of wet gullies, but stray into suburbia out of breeding season.
Cheers
Denis

Tassie

Good onya Soakes and thanks mate I have never seen one.

soakes
soakes's picture

It is always good to spot a new bird, especially one as pretty as this. Not quite as pretty as an Eastern spinebill, but not bad - and full of character too.

- soakes

soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia

tarkineus
tarkineus's picture

Nicely captured soakes, feather markings are not unlike the New Holland Honeyeater.

Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour

stevehapp
stevehapp's picture

great shots soakes..
,
like tark, i thought the wing marking were like the New HOlland/White-cheeked HE..
,
cheers,
steve

soakes
soakes's picture

Yes, you're right the wing markings are similar. It is the head and chest markings that distinguish it as a crescent honeyeater.

Actually, I don't think these photos do it justice.

- soakes

soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia

GeorgeP
GeorgeP's picture

What a gorgeous visitor and very nice shots, too. It must have been a thrill to see this species in your garden. Were they taken here in Melbourne or your Gippsland property ?

Cheers,

George
Melbourne, VIC

smeedingo2
smeedingo2's picture

HI Soakes
Never seen one before nice bird thanks for showing.

soakes
soakes's picture

Hi George,
this was at Gippsland. The best I can do in Melbourne is a few blackbirds, pigeons and the occasional wattlebird or butcherbird... although I did once see a kingfisher!

- soakes

soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia

 and   @birdsinbackyards
                 Subscribe to me on YouTube