Wednesday 20 January 2016

Wild Bird Wednesday 182 - Lord Howe Island (Pied) Currawong

Island have a tendency to be occupied by unique species - I have already posted about the Woodhen which is a species that is endemic to Lord Howe.

This bird is a sub-species of one which is found on the the mainland of Australia - the Pied Currawong.  This species is called the Lord Howe Island Pied Currawong, or just the Lord Howe Island Currawong.

Its species name is Strepera graculina crissali - which is a bit of a mouthful, the but the first two parts mean "jackdaw-like noisy bird".  This clearly comes from the 'crow' like appearance of the bird, and the fact that they are rather vocal.

The LHI subspecies has a larger beak than the mainland bird, but also has a distinctly different voice. They are inquisitive birds and will follow you about. The bird on the log here was making a very good effort to trash the log in search of food, and seemed not to mind as I shuffled along the ground towards it.  These pictures were taken in deep shade, so I used a flash which is not common for me.

I think you can tell that these are rather intelligent birds.








You can see pictures of the mainland Pied Currawongs here

Now, its over to you - I will be away from my desk for a few days this week so replies may be a wee bit delayed.  Click on the blue button to join in!

33 comments:

  1. What a beauty!
    Nice find & capture, Stewart.
    Have a Great Week.
    Peace :)

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  2. Hello Stewart, what a handsome bird. Awesome collection of photos. Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!

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  3. Boa Tarde, o pássaro é lindo, está bem captado, consegue-se ver os belos detalhes do mesmo.
    AG

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  4. Great looking bird but what a huge beak. Diane

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  5. Oh, wow! What a great looking bird! That beak is awesome!

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  6. He is actually a handsome bird, but has a big schnoz (Beak) that gives him a Grandpaish look. These are wonderful shots and good for you using your flash because it brought out the detail that we otherwise would have missed. Black birds are hard to get good shots of. At least with the orange eye, you don't lose that feature in his blackness. Nice job Stewart and as a lover of my crows, I have a special place in my heart for all black birds who seem to be maligned for no good reason.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  7. Oh, yes!! What a BEAK!!! Great captures for the day, as always, Stewart!! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!!

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  8. Great photos as always! That bird is sporting quite the collection of "jewelry" - multiple bands on each leg.

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  9. Great shots Stewart..He has a rather large beak...I see that he has been banded several times...Have a nice week..

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  10. The species translation tells me a lot about this handsome crow-like bird (the sound). And the pictures fit too -- I think crows are very intelligent as this one obviously is as well.

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  11. That is one massive beak, the eyes do have that look of intelligence. Obviously the species is well studied and the individuals are color-marked. Very interesting and beautiful bird!

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  12. Hello Stewart!:) Great shots of this handsome bird, and yes you can tell he is intelligent.

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  13. Distinctive bird with his black plumage, bright yellow eye and long curved beak. Great shots Stewart.

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  14. You've captured some cute expressions on this bird (especially the first two photos)

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  15. These are lovely shots of the Pied Currawong. Thanks for hosting Stewart.

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  16. Impressive bird and he knows what to do.

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  17. Such rich black feathers and contrasting eyes!

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  18. I thought these birds might be corvids, until I looked them up. You caught the details in that black beautifully.

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  19. Does have that intelligent look to it. I wonder about all the leg bands. So many on one bird. Is that unusual?

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  20. He looks a bit ticked off in that second shot! Perhaps concerned that you might be more interested in the logs tasty treats than taking pics!!!

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  21. Great shots of this handsome bird. Unfortunately not a favourite of mine. They are certainly intelligent, but also malicious bullies, constantly harassing other birds large and small.

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  22. I really love the mainland Pied Currawongs -- beautiful birds and a distinctive call. You have captured a fabulous series of images here, Stewart!

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  23. A fascinating bird! Love learning about this new bird (to me) and seeing your awesome pictures.

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  24. Stewart, love the eyes. Thanks for sharing.

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  25. Looks like the beak of a raven stuck onto the body of a crow. Quality control was lacking the day that bird was created.

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  26. While all the pix are great, I fell in love with this dashing fellow in your second pic!...:)JP

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  27. Wonderful captures! I especially like the last one, Stewart. Have a great week!

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  28. The currawong looks like a smart fellow.

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  29. Great shots! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

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  30. Those are just amazing images!

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