The Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus, can be easily identified by its very melodic call, but it rarely comes close to the house. You definately know when they're about; so sweet their song. It'd been a hot day (only yesterday), and I'm so glad it found refuge for a moment, to have a drink. How about that hooked beak?!
There's much to be read on the Grey Butcherbird here on the Australian Birds in Backyards website, including, how they got that name.
These Little Wattlebirds (Anthochaera chrysoptera), known as a honeyeater, enjoying a splashing good time! They too have a melodic, though somewhat raucous, tune.
This exotic looking Bird of Paradise plant, is currently exuding sweet nectar, attracting both the Little Wattlebird, and the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala). This bird looks docile enough but is extremely territorial and aggressive, even to birds much bigger than itself. They tend to back one another up in huge flocks when an alarm call is made.
such cool birds you have there! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Carole! I've never seen a Butcherbird or a Wattlebird. Nice job!
ReplyDeletea very lovely post Carole. The Butcherbird is certainly a new one for my armchair list
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
Dave
Fascinating post Carole. The bird of paradise plant is something to see. Great catch on the Butcher bird, you never know who will turn up for drinks!
ReplyDeleteA very nice series of photos. I think I can even see the drops of water on the butcherbird in the first photo!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Carole. Your Butcherbird reminds me of our Shrikes. Impaling their prey and all. I imagine that beak comes in handy for that. The bird of paradise is just amazing! I remember my Mom grew one on our front porch when I was a kid but it was orange.
ReplyDeleteGreat bird photos Carole, especially the first one! I haven't seen a white bird of paradise flower before, we have many around our neighbourhood in flower at the moment, they're all orange coloured flowers - it must be a good year for them too as I'm noticing them everywhere now!
ReplyDeleteSome beautiful birds you have there Carole. I love seeing all the different birds from around the world.
ReplyDeleteLovely captures.
Love your butcherbird, we don't have them here and I so miss their song. Nice shot of the little wattle birds, we only have the big res wattlebirds that terrorise the cats. Those miner birds can be quite pesky when they build up in numbers.
ReplyDeleteNice post.
Lovely shots Carole!!
ReplyDeleteGreat capture of that nasty looking hook on the Butcherbird!
My next weeks post will be on a very cheeky Noisy Miner I captured last week amongst the Jacarandas!
Thanks for sharing!
Really cool birds!
ReplyDeleteA fascinating to bird to see... Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteWow, great lookers!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Our Bird of Paradise flowers are orange and purple! These are lovely!!!
ReplyDeletePaper Hugs,
Jan
Awesome looking birds, so different then what I see here in my home town. That first bird has a mean looking beak. Your birds of paradise are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures of all these cool birds!
ReplyDelete