What Oz bird is this?

[pnodrog]

At the Dubbo Zoo NSW this bird took exception to us. It ran at us, squawked and made it very clear we should leave immediately. I have no idea why it disliked us so much but its antics were very entertaining. The lighting was very dull so it is not a particularly good photograph but if anyone can identify it and maybe provide a clue as to it's behavior I would be interested in hearing about it.

[Wavelength]

Nice image; i think this is the instance when the bird is ready to shake away dust from its feathers; do you have the image where it has withdrawn all the feathers back to its body?

[NorthernFocus]

Agree it's hard to identify solely from the photo. But along with your description of its behavior I'd wager it's a Kiwi Hawk. Once nearly extinct in Australia but now making quite a comeback due to the increasing population of their favorite prey moving into their home territory.

[pnodrog]

Nice image; i think this is the instance when the bird is ready to shake away dust from its feathers; do you have the image where it has withdrawn all the feathers back to its body?

The bird was running around quickly and this is the only photograph I got that is at all acceptable. I am hoping some of the Australians that are members of CinC will be able to ID it.

[pnodrog]

Agree it's hard to identify solely from the photo. But along with your description of its behavior I'd wager it's a Kiwi Hawk. Once nearly extinct in Australia but now making quite a comeback due to the increasing population of their favorite prey moving into their home territory.

Thanks Dan and as you rightly surmised I included a brief description of it's location and behavior to assist in it's identification. I am very sorry Dan that due to an oversight by me you will probably loose your bet. Unfortunately I failed to mention that no alcohol is to be consumed in the area so it is highly unlikely to be a Kiwi Hawk.

[Rent]

Some idea as to how big it is might help sparrow, chicken, or what ?
Roy

[pnodrog]

Some idea as to how big it is might help sparrow, chicken, or what ?
Roy

About the size of a large Blackbird or small dove.

P.S. Just managed to find a reference that indicates it is called an Apostlebird.

[NorthernFocus]

...Unfortunately I failed to mention that no alcohol is to be consumed in the area...

That was a significant oversight in your original description.

...Just managed to find a reference that indicates it is called an Apostlebird.

Which would have been immediately evident to anyone with even remedial knowledge of birds if the above mentioned prohibition had been pointed out to start with

[madcrow]

Just like photo. Was it a quick retreat.

[pnodrog]

Just like photo. Was it a quick retreat.

We bravely stood our ground because we felt we could rely on our size advantage. I don't do that with wasps, scorpions or snakes and I got the impression that the bird was of the opinion it deserved far greater territorial respect than we were giving it. There are many dangerous creatures in Australia and I am sure it wanted to be on the list.

[pnodrog]

That was a significant oversight in your original description.


Which would have been immediately evident to anyone with even remedial knowledge of birds if the above mentioned prohibition had been pointed out to start with

I was always under the impression there was wine at the last supper but I have just has a look at Leonardo da Vinci's famous photo of the event and I cannot see any wine bottles.

I learn something new every day but it is not always useful.

[dje]

Paul I consulted my bird book and I think you are correct in calling it an Apostle bird. My book shows it as a lighter grey with brownish wings but the general appearance is the same. My book describes it as a "very social" bird but that's probably refering to it's relationship with other birds of it's own kind rather than Kiwis.

I think maybe we need to take some of these birds along to the next rugby game with your lot. They sound like they may be more menacing than our front rowers.

Dave

[NorthernFocus]

I was always under the impression there was wine at the last supper but I have just has a look at Leonardo da Vinci's famous photo of the event and I cannot see any wine bottles...

Skins. They used skins back in those days. But I believe nowadays doctrine is tailored to fit the needs of the local populace.

I learn something new every day but it is not always useful.

Blissful ignorance is a lifestyle choice available to us all. I highly recommend it. And wine.

[pnodrog]

Paul I consulted my bird book and I think you are correct in calling it an Apostle bird. My book shows it as a lighter grey with brownish wings but the general appearance is the same. My book describes it as a "very social" bird but that's probably refering to it's relationship with other birds of it's own kind rather than Kiwis.

I think maybe we need to take some of these birds along to the next rugby game with your lot. They sound like they may be more menacing than our front rowers.

Dave

Yes it was menacing but a bit like your front rowers it was not taken seriously...

[Shadowman]

Very nice capture of a strange bird.

[DickyOZ]

The Apostlebird is well named - there is normally a dozen of them in a flock. They are usually very sociable, that one (Judas) must have been ostrasised for being so bad tempered.

How are we going to get a drink mate?

This one's on me..

[FootLoose]

Paul, I think you would be wise NOT to stand your ground against any bird here at the moment. It is breeding season and they're staking out their territories. The magpies are particularly aggressive at the moment, but don't discount the smaller breeds either.

[pnodrog]

Very nice capture of a strange bird.

Thanks John.

[pnodrog]

The Apostlebird is well named - there is normally a dozen of them in a flock. They are usually very sociable, that one (Judas) must have been ostrasised for being so bad tempered.

How are we going to get a drink mate?

This one's on me..

Yes, that is another one of these terrifying creatures with noisy but clever friend.

Nice shots.

[pnodrog]

Paul, I think you would be wise NOT to stand your ground against any bird here at the moment. It is breeding season and they're staking out their territories. The magpies are particularly aggressive at the moment, but don't discount the smaller breeds either.

I am wary of anything that moves in Australia and even a lot of things that don't move. Not sure why I like the place so much - maybe it is the mutual appreciation of liquid refreshments.