impossible identification please

[jude hopwood <>]

Dear Knowledgeable Ones,

 

3pm, July 4th. A brief passing flock of small birds in open country (!) - Currawang - South East of Collector.  Black, very short fanned tail with small patch of white on rump.  6 to 8 in flock - reasonably low to ground. Very fast. This is absolutely all the detail available.  Any ideas?  None of my references seem to have anything close other than the Hooded Robin which, at 16 cm, is too large to be this bird. Have spotted this small flock a number of times recently, but this is the first time I got a quick look at details before they were gone. 

 

At our place, Blackbird, who abandoned us in mid Summer, is back, a solitary bird.  Boobook calling as I post this.

 

Respectfully,

Jude Hopwood.