These are Apostlebirds (Struthidea cinerea). We were stopped in Katherine in the Northern Territory when I saw a flock of about 20 or 30 of these birds feeding in a small park. I quick dash over the road was in order.
The Apostlebird is common in some place on the eastern side of Australia - but you tend to find lots, or none at all. Katherine must be a 'lots' place. These birds were feeding in an area of grass that went from deep shade to bright sunshine in a few paces, which made photographing groups of them a bit of a challenge! The speed at which they move did not help either!
Apostlebirds are one of a number of species in Australia that breed in groups built around one breeding pair. Most of the other birds in the group are termed 'helpers' and are normally either the offspring of the pair, or closely related kin. Interestingly, some birds that are unrelated to the breeding pair are sometimes found in the group.
Most of you will know what to do now - click on the blue button and off you go.
What a beauty, Stewart!!! Love the color...:)JP
ReplyDeleteBeautiful color, interesting behavior patterns, why the name?( I will google it). Thank you for hosting!,,
ReplyDeleteLovely set of bird images adn yes I was fortunate to see a number of these birds on a trip I maade in Queensland. Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sequence of photos of this interesting-looking bird, Stewart. It reminds me of a Common Starling that we get here. Thanks for hosting this meme; I'll link up tomorrow (Wednesday in South Africa). Greetings Jo
ReplyDeleteLove their color..They look like our pesky Grackles or Starlings..They travel in swarming flocks..Nice series of pictures..
ReplyDeleteInteresting profile. Another new bird to me.
ReplyDeleteVery handsome birds! Kinda remind me of a cross between a blackbird and cowbird (U.S.).
ReplyDeleteAre those cigarette butts on the ground in the first couple of photos?
ReplyDeleteA very striking bird there Stewart. I couldn't hlp but notice that the whole bird is blue, including the legs. Most unusual.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of interesting birds.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, interesting to read about their communal way of supporting each other. Looking at just their legs reminded me of Magpies, the way they move their feet too! Love their colour and your photos are great. Cheers now :D)
ReplyDeleteHello, Stewart. They sound like interesting birds. Great series of photos. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week ahead!
Fascinating birds. Used to see them occasionally up around Tamworth in N.S W
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating bird, staying in "family" groups. And they are very handsome birds...love your photos, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteThey are very interesting birds. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThese are very different bird from India... Nice...
ReplyDeleteSuch a scowling demeanor
ReplyDeleteHandsome little eagles!
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful in their own way, but have the stern look of a Catholic Nun ... would almost expect them to whip out a ruler and wrap it across somebodies knuckles. (Of course, they don't do that anymore, just describing the look). Their mating practice seems very strange for birds (wolves operate that way)but it is probably a good thing if the flock is all related. Nature sure is amazing. Looking forward to those New Zealand pictures :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Great photos of the Apostlebirds!
ReplyDeleteI have Cardinals for my WBW post today
Hope you are having a wonderful week!
Stewart, wonderful bird, great captures.. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThey're VERY attractive
ReplyDeleteThe differences in the colors depending on the lighting is cool!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have these in Virginia. I like the blue color.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen them around here, so we must be a "don't have'. Interesting bird.
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos of a fascinating bird, Stewart! Are they really as blue as they appear? I had read that the color blue in feathers is the result of refraction, rather than a blue pigment, but your birds seem to appear otherwise. Best, Babsje
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird. Lovely color.
ReplyDeleteWhat an appropriate name for this beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteLovely snaps, Stewart.
Have a Happy Weekend!
Peace :)
I enjoyed learning of this bird Stewart. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteThe Apostlebirds are beautiful, it's the way that you shoot them, cheers Stewart.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very attractive bird, Stewart. I am sure that you had a fabulous time in New Zealand recently and rest assured that if ever you find your way to southern Ontario I will do everything possible to help you enjoy great birding here.
ReplyDeletestrange, I thought I commented on your Apostlebird.
ReplyDeleteI saw it once high up in a treetop. :) Not really a photoop.
Another bird I have yet to come across. You certainly do get around. You must have a huge bird list now!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos Stewart!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds also.