Help with identifying this bird please

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louisamc
louisamc's picture
Help with identifying this bird please

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can tell me what this bird is. This bird also makes a rather annoying noise at ¼ to 5 in the morning (if it was any other time of day I might enjoy it). I have posted a link below that shows some photos and also a small video that contains the bird noise.

Thanks and hope someone can help.

http://whatbirdisthis.blogspot.com/

Holly
Holly's picture

Louisa - looks and sounds like a red wattlebird to me. They are a big honeyeater. Little wattlebirds are very similar (slightly smaller - but still a big bird).

Have you seen it a bit closer up? They have little red globs (wattles) on the sides of their faces and a yellow patch on their belly.

Holly

louisamc
louisamc's picture

thank you for your quick response. I haven't noticed any red bits on their faces as they usually fly away before I get close enough. Will try and keep an eye out.

DenisWilson
DenisWilson's picture

Hi LouisaMc and Holly
I think it is the Little Wattlebird.
I saved one of the photos (no 2) and as the bird flies you can make out a lighter colour in the wings. Little Wattlebird has rufous in the wing (flight) feathers.
Also the tone of the call on the video is very harsh, and atonal. It matches with my local Little Wattlebirds (in Robertson, above the Illawarra Plateau).
Check the sound file on BiBY site:
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/anthochaera-chrysoptera.mp3
Red Wattlebird's call is slightly deeper, and less atonal.
Not a nice noise to wake up to, but very cheerful birds, but aggressive. They will chase away everything else which is interested in fruit, nectar or insects.
Cheers
Denis

Birdfreak
Birdfreak's picture

Hi louismac,

I'd be going with denis on this one. He's right about the rufous underwings.

Max Breckenridge,
Gladesville, Sydney...

louisamc
louisamc's picture

thank you so much for everyone's help. I'm very impressed with the knowledge you have! i managed to get up close enough to see it didn't have the red things under it's chin, so I'm confident that it is the little wattlebird.

thanks again

Holly
Holly's picture

You have good eyes Denis! Well done!!!

Holly

magpie
magpie's picture

I have resident red wattlebirds here, one even comes up to my patio and looks in the window. Beautiful birds.

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