The Western Bowerbird (Chlamydera guttata) is endemic to Australia, meaning it's not found in any other country.
This species is found in Central Australia (where I photographed it) and also in parts of Western Australia. Interestingly there is a gap between these two areas, where as far as we know, the species is not known. If you have much of a grasp of the geography of Australia, you may understand that the space between these two areas where the bird is found is pretty much the middle of nowhere. So, this distribution could be as much a case of where people have looked, rather than where the bird lives. Maybe a survey of that area could be a project for when I retire!
The bird itself has a wing span of about 140mm and is built much like a slight muscular thrush. As you can see in a couple of the pictures, this species has a pink 'erectile nuchal crest' on its neck. (Nechal means 'neck' - I had to look that up!)
This species is found in Central Australia (where I photographed it) and also in parts of Western Australia. Interestingly there is a gap between these two areas, where as far as we know, the species is not known. If you have much of a grasp of the geography of Australia, you may understand that the space between these two areas where the bird is found is pretty much the middle of nowhere. So, this distribution could be as much a case of where people have looked, rather than where the bird lives. Maybe a survey of that area could be a project for when I retire!
The bird itself has a wing span of about 140mm and is built much like a slight muscular thrush. As you can see in a couple of the pictures, this species has a pink 'erectile nuchal crest' on its neck. (Nechal means 'neck' - I had to look that up!)
You can see a black irrigation pipe in the background of the last picture. These birds (and I think these are three different birds) were all photographed at the Alice Springs Desert Park, but they are all wild bird that take advantage of the watering and abundance of plants.
As ever, you can join in with WBW by clicking on the link below - and also as ever, please feel free to share the love for WBW with other bloggers! Cheers. SM
Bowerbirds are fascinating, Stewart, especially for those of us who don't have them where we live. Satin Bowerbird is the only species I have seen, so I am open for a few more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good looking bird! I especially like the first photos in the slender branches!
ReplyDeleteHe looks nice! ...and so unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, it was interesting to see!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteAnother wee gem! YAM xx
A beauty. The markings on the back remind me of European starlings.
ReplyDeleteIt has such beautiful markings/specks on it's throat and back, Stewart...:)jp
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and handsome bird!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great week!
Lovely shots
ReplyDeleteUnusual coloring..kinda spotted..Starling like :) Handsome bird
ReplyDeleteThe bower is prepared. Now we DANCE!
ReplyDeletePretty spots, like a starling but a more delicate bird.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteNice looking bird, it reminds me of a Starling. Enjoy your day, wishing you a great new week ahead.