Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Wattled Starling

Over the weekend, Rina called me to come into the garden quickly! There was a bird sitting in the white-stinkwood; she'd never seen it before. I grabbed my camera and focused! 

 It was a Wattled Starling; a male. But when I checked the photos, I saw that it wasn't in full breeding any longer. 
Wattled Starling (Breeding Male which seems to being going off) 

The Wattled Starling breeding male has a featherless head with a large black wattle on forehead and throat. It has a bright yellow hind crown. As can be seen in the photo above, this bird still has a black wattle, but its head has a little yellow left only. 

While we were watching this bird, I noticed a fluffy bird with similar markings. I clicked away and realized that this was a juvenile Wattled Starling. 
Wattled Starling (Juvenile) 

The Wattled Starling female and juvenile is pale whitish grey with diagnostic white rump. The juvenile initially has a yellow bill. 
This bird seems to be a bit older as its bill is already pinkish with yellow around the eyes

I'm linking this post to Wild Bird Wednesday here


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9 comments:

  1. TexWisGirl08 April, 2015 03:37

    cool new bird!

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  2. Sylvia K08 April, 2015 05:10

    Lovely bird and one I've never seen -- of course!!! Such great captures for the day, Jo!! Hope you're enjoying a beautiful week!!

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  3. Margaret Birding For Pleasure08 April, 2015 09:22

    Hi Jo Is this a new bird for you.It certainly is for me. Great find.

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  4. Adam Jones08 April, 2015 09:30

    That's a new bird to me. Very nice.

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  5. eileeninmd08 April, 2015 13:23

    Hi Jo, congrats on your new garden bird. It is pretty! Great shots! Have a happy day!

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  6. MadSnapper08 April, 2015 15:14

    so cute and not only wattled but mottled in color. great find. thank you Rina

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  7. Phil Slade08 April, 2015 15:53

    Shame you didn't see the full wattled adult Jo. Looks like they might be breeding nearby though if a juvenile is still with the adult? Sound like a birding walk out to me.

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  8. A Colorful World08 April, 2015 20:40

    I'd never heard of a wattled starling before! Such fascinating birds!

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  9. Stewart M12 April, 2015 04:04

    That is an eye-catching bird! Never heard of it!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo