Would someone know the ID of this bird : http://birdwatchersonline.net/forum/showthread.php?p=555#post555
I took the photo at Bundaberg in Queensland a few days ago and only managed one photo before it vanished into the grass not to be seen again. I have seen Golden headed Cisticolas at this location before but this one didn't seem to have the same colouring on the head. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Susy
Sorry, another blond moment. I forgot to list the link correctly http://birdwatchersonline.net/forum/showthread.php?p=555#post555
Susy
not sure, maybe a songlark?
Ed Townsville NQ
Hi Susy
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You make it hard, don't you?
Actually it is the bird making it hard, I know.
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Check this image of a Richard's Pipit (Australasian Pipit).
http://photogallery.canberrabirds.org.au/images/Pipit_Australian_Harris.jpg
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Following Ed's idea, check these two images of Rufous Songlarks.
http://photogallery.canberrabirds.org.au/images/Songlark_Rufous2_Dabb.jpg
http://photogallery.canberrabirds.org.au/images/Songlark_Rufous_Harris.jpg
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Personally I think the posture, (in grass), and the body and wing markings suggest the Pipit as a better match.
Not sure about your bird's apparent lack of eyebrow - that's the main uncertainty in my mind.
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Songlarks do feed on the ground, but they spend a lot of time perching on tops of things and flying around, making a lot of noise.
BiBY says: "In the breeding season the melodious song of the male Rufous Songlark is heard almost continuously, both from perches and in slow display flights between trees."
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Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
I'm leaning towards Tawny Grassbird. It's very similar to the pictures I've taken of TGB's, and the first TGB that I ever saw was in very similar vegetation at Warriewood.
Denis and Susy
I am leaning towards a female or juv male Brown Songlark but am no means certain as I am not familiar with this bird and am working only from field guides, if you have it check out Michael Morcombes illistration of a F or Juv.
Ed Townsville NQ
Hi Ed
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Sorry, but my bird-books are locked in a box in my shed, until such time as I unpack my gear from my former house.
That's why I rely on links to various websites, which are far from satisfactory.
One of these days Birds Australia will allow the publication of HANZAB on the web - then we will all have access to the most detailed information available.
Until then, that information is available only to the wealthy amongst us (not including myself).
Average price for each volume $395
Set of 7 volumes $2995
http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/hanzab/handbook-of-australian-new-zealand-and-antarctic-birds.html
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Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Thanks all for the great information. I'm thinking the Tawny Grassbird now. It was in tall grasses when I saw it and when it saw me it dropped into the grass instead of flying off so I'm thinking its comforatble in the grass. I'd love to have a complete collection of Hanzab books, Denis. Maybe next lotto win!
Susy