"zip" bird

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birdie
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"zip" bird

I found a small bird at work yesterday in a thicket, but was unable to see it clearly. it has a very distinctive 'cheep zzzip" sound. I did see a bird that looked like a thorn bill and also a flash of red on another (or maybe the same) bird around the face of chest.
Any suggestions? the sound was very loud and distinctive.
Location Sunshine Coast Qld

DenisWilson
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If you were anywhere near a swamp, then consider a Golden-headed Cisticola,
It has a distinctive two-part call, usually a buzzing note, then a "zonk" call.
Look and listen here: http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/golden-headed-cisticola-cisticola-exilis/male-singing-top-perch
Cheers
Denis

birdie
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Hi Denis, that sounds a lot like it thanks.
Here is a snap of one of the birds I could see, not a very good one though sorry. Would you know what it is?

Sunshine Coast Queensland

ed
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possibly a brown honey-eayer?

Ed Townsville NQ

ed
ed's picture

eater...! :-)

Ed Townsville NQ

DenisWilson
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Hi Birdie
Ed is right, the bird in the photo is definitely a honeyeater (of some description). He suggest Brown HE, and I would not quibble with that.
The Cisticola call is very distinctive. It also travels considerable distance, so perhaps it was in long grass, or reeds 50 metres from you, and you saw something else. Just a thought.
Here is the link to the page on the Brown Honeyeater, and you can listen to its call there.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=143
Cheers
Denis

birdie
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Hi Denis & Ed,
Thanks for your help. I have listened to both calls and would definitely say there was a golden headed cisticola in the thicket somewhere. I was scrambling up a grassy bank and trying to get pictures without falling down so I couldn't get anything better!!
My bird had a black stripe or mark down it's cheek, does this match the brown honeyeater?
I did hear a very chattery call and I thought it was a will wagtail. But he serenaded me beautifully a bit later, so I think it may have been the Honeyeater. I'm a bit confused.

Not a very good shot but his song was beautiful. Sometimes I wish I had recording on my camera :)

Sunshine Coast Queensland

DenisWilson
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Well the last one is easy - it is definitely a Willy Wagtail, calling its head off, if you look closely.
I think if the call of the Cisticola sounds right to you, then it might well have been over the back a bit, its call does carry a long way. Such a tiny bird, with such a big voice. They love to call from the tops of reeds, or tall grasses.
Denis

birdie
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HI Denis, he was calling so loudly that I was trying to get a good shot of him with his mouth open like this. As I was walking back I saw he had a mate with him ( I am assuming it was the him of the pair) but I didn't know they had such a beautiful song.

Sunshine Coast Queensland

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