John,
Every detail of your description, except for the light blue breast, seems
to indicate a Red-browed Finch. Is it possible that the blue breast was a
trick of the light? It can be very surprising how reflected light can
influence the colours we see. For example, one morning a Rufous Songlark
appeared while I was leading a group on a birdwatch, but some of the group
were adamant that the bird had a green breast. In fact it was a reflection
of the vegetation the bird was amongst, and eventually when it moved to a
different angle those observers conceded that it did in fact have
greyish-fawn underparts as per the field guide. Sometimes our eyes (and
ears) can't be completely trusted - something that all birders should keep
in mind.
Whatever it turns out to be, sounds like you have a great bird-garden. Keep
reporting, and asking questions!
Cheers
Carol
---
John Gable wrote:
>
>I am new to this list so I hope this message is appropriate.
>
>I live in Northern NSW, near Mullumbimby and Byron Bay and have a lot of
>birds in the garden.
>So far I have Identified about 40 birds but am having trouble identifying
>one of them.
>
>The bird looks like a robin or a gerygone.
>Bright red eye line.
>Light blue breast.
>Greenish wing.
>Small beak.
>Red rump
>Rest of the body a brownish grey
>10 - 12 cm
>Fast erratic movements as it feeds.
>Moves similiar to Fairy wrens (Have both superb and red-backed) and they
>often feed with the wrens.
>Tail is dark and points down (unlike the wrens).
>
>
>Currently using the Pizzey/Knight Field Guide and I've had a quick look in
>several others but can't find this bird.
>Any ideas??
>
>Thanks
>
>John Gable
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