Telling these 2 species apart is among the more difficult ID issues of local birds. I was not going to add my % options as to being a HB-C or a SB-C. In truth
I just knew it was one of these. I encounter the former more often than the latter, or perhaps I only think I do. That Steven thought it was whistler shape and even though unaware of the big clue in the toes he came up with “Perhaps
a young small cuckoo” so that is making fair progress. Actually it is rare to get a pose that shows the toes as well as that, so whilst it is diagnostic, it is not usually
easy to see.
Given other advices offered, I have no reason to debate that it would appear to be a young SB-C.
Sorry I am lost as to any suggestion of “the possibility of disparaging remarks”.
Maybe that is good.
Philip
From: steven [
Sent: Thursday, 23 March, 2017 9:01 AM
To: Philip Veerman; 'Nick Payne';
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Bird ID Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Hi Nick and Phil,
Thanks for your replies. Unfortunate about the possibility of disparaging remarks, but such is the nature of online communication. Yes Nick, I have been using Morcombe's compact guide (with the
maroon cover) for about 10 years now, but almost exclusively use the smartphone app version of that guide now. It's an excellent guide, but does not always cover both sexes and juveniles. And sometimes when one hasn't encountered a type of bird before, one
doesn't even know which group of birds to start with. The only cuckoo's I've come across before are Fan-tailed and Channel Billed.
Great info Phillip, the two toes forward and back is a great pointer which I'll keep in mind for future bird ID's. How about a Shining Bronze Cuckoo as opposed to a Horsfield's? It doesn't appear
to have the eye-stripe that Horsfield's has.
Once again, thanks heaps!
Steve.
From: Philip Veerman <>
Sent: Thursday, 23 March 2017 8:24 AM
To: 'Nick Payne'; ; 'steven'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Bird ID Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The unusual pose with a clear view of the toes (2 forward & 2 back) clearly show it is not any kind of passerine. This gives a good starting point, so just on the foot, it is a
cuckoo. On what shows of the plumage pattern on breast and face I would also suggest it is a young Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo.
Philip
From: Nick Payne [
Sent: Thursday, 23 March, 2017 7:49 AM
To:
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Bird ID Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo?
On 22/03/2017 10:31 PM, steven wrote:
Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if anyone would be able to ID this bird I photo'd at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. It's nothing spectacular I presume, I'm just curious as I like to ID birds.
Two photo's attached, hopefully they work as this is a first time post for me/
It has the general shape of a Whistler if you ask me, but the green sheen to the wings, indistinct banding of the sides of the abdomen, and nice lashes around the circumference of the eyes throws
me off. Perhaps a young small cuckoo or relative of some kind? Your experience and expertise is greatly appreciated!!
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