grey oval on a White-fronted Honeyeater

["Geoffrey Dabb" <>]

Yes, this is one of those birds where the light-dark pattern depends on lighting and the angle of view.   Like an NH or White-cheeked Hon though, and not unique by any means.  Video will show the changing features better.  This snap from this morning taking advantage of its odd sleepiness, dozing at noon, in full sun:

 

 

 

From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Saturday, 7 July 2007 7:17 PM
To: Geoffrey Dabb;
Subject: [canberrabirds] grey oval on a White-fronted Honeyeater

 

Geoffrey,

Thanks for posting these. A curious thing is shown from Geoffrey's photos. The one on the right shows the clear grey oval below the bird's eye. This was one of the first things I noticed about its plumage pattern. The books vary in showing this (and many other characters). However that grey spot seems to appear and disappear as the viewing angle changes. I think that maybe the feather tips are dark, but bases may be grey, so when seen along the feathers, the grey oval really shows, otherwise it doesn't. Compare left and right photos. I wonder if this is worth formally writing up.

 

Philip