Wednesday 19 January 2022

Wild Bird Wednesday 495 - Brown-headed Honeyeater

Just to prove that not all Australian birds are outrageously bright, here are some Brown-headed Honeyeaters (Melithreptus brevirostris) from NW Victoria.

This bird is widespread along much of southern Australia - and occurs in a range of subspecies, but I am not confident to identify this species to such a level!  These birds came in to drink at a water point / hide on a patch of native bush nr. Patchewollock - a tiny town with wonderful resident bird life to be found around it.

This bird is about 12 or 13cm long, and this is the first time I have managed to photograph them.  I am growing more fond of hides by the day!







As ever, you can join in with WBW by clicking on the link below.  Cheers, and stay well.  SM

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18 comments:

  1. Funny-- as soon as I saw this bird I thought it looked rather plain. Then your comment concurred. I like the wash of yellowish-green to accent its plumage.

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  2. Hari OM
    No feather is 'plain' in my eyes! This is a wee gem, Stewart... and I particularly like the second in this series - a fully satisfactory image. YAM xx

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  3. Hello Stewart,:=) I agree with Yamini! In different light, it takes on a different appearance. It's a little beauty. Hides are brilliant for getting near to birds you wouldn't normally see. I'm going to enter my post, but it's only got one bird, and not a very good image either. I hope you won't mind.

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  4. It’s a little beauty, that’s for sure. Great capture.

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  5. It is quite beautiful, delicate and understated, a paragon of Australian modesty!

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  6. Stewart I added another post, with more pictures I hope it's OK to post two.

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  7. The 5th picture is wonderful..Pretty little bird..Enjoy the rest of your week..My bird pictures may be nil until spring..A bear took down my bird feeder and the ground is too hard to put up anoher..Should stop feeding them anyway, I guess..

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  8. Holy moosepoops...13 cm only is very tiny, Stewart! What a cutie pie!! (not you, the bird)...stay healthy...jp

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  9. Great photos! I especially like the second one

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  10. This little guy may not be in flaming bright colors but is still a lovely bird.

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  11. What a lovely little bird and quite colourful in its own way. Cure little fellow. Keep safe and have a good weekend. Diane

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  12. Maybe not brightly colored, but beautiful nonetheless, with its yellow accents.

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  13. Very nice bird, it's very delicate.
    Cheers

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  14. Aha! At last. Evidence that plain-looking birds DO exist in Australia!

    With such quality photographs of this small subject, I see why you're becoming a fan of hides.

    Our thoughts are still with you, Stewart, as times appear to be stressful for many.

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