Robin - if these were near the creek by the Little Eagle paddock there is a mini-colony there, with one nest quite non-typical - less than 2m high against the main stem of a live sapling with no over-branch. The agitated adults come to within 2m so a site best avoided.
There are various theories about the varying angle of the breast demarcation, but the best guide, as Graeme Chapman pointed out in a Wingspan article some years ago, is that the male Satin is white and BLACK, not just dull-looking in low light, but blue-BLACK like a Satin Bowerbird. Your dullest shots will look darkish, but these are clearly Leadens. g
From: Robin Eckermann [
Sent: Sunday, 23 December 2012 1:37 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Leaden vs Satin Flycatchers
I snapped these Flycatchers at Campbell Park this morning - I suspect they're Leadens, though they're a bit glossier than some of the Leaden's I've shot in the past. The McComas Taylor & Nicolas Day guide seems to have nearly identical descriptions for both species, with the main differentiator being that Leadens are duller. Does anyone have any other tips for distinguishing between these two very similar birds?
(Click on any image for larger view)
Regards ... Robin Eckermann
