I think this might be a Welcome Swallow. Allow me to consult my bird book (it was a Christmas present)
...yes 15 cm, tail deeply forked, upperparts glossy blue-black...
"Courting males descend on stiffly downheld, quivering wings... Voice: single 'chep' usually in flight; spirited twittering song; rising 'seep,seep,seep'; in alarm, high pitched puny 'seeet'."
My favourite thing about my bird book is the was it tries to convey the voice of the bird in human terms. To be found in most places in Australia with the exception of deserts and the Kimberley Region. This one was flying around the river in St. Lucia and sat still on the front of the CityCat while I raced to attach my zoom lens.
It doesn't say in my book how it got it's name.
9 comments:
What a welcome beauty too. Well captured.
That's a lovely pic Cara. I love the way they swoop under the City Cats. That book sounds excellent...what's it called?
What a lovely bird! I have a bird book as well that my Dad bought me some years back (mainly because I kept taking off with his) to identify birds around where I live.
These are great to have just in case you find yourself looking at a bird outside its own region; which happens a lot more often than you think. :)
What a pretty bird, and how nice of him to sit and wait for you to get your camera ready. I don't usually have that luck when trying to photograph cardinals here. They are skittish birds.
According to Wikipedia, the name refers to its arrival as a welcome sign of spring to the southern parts of Australia.
Thanks Joanna!
Mozette - my book is called The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia by Pizzey and Knight.
Wonderful shot Cara. I love birds, but never seem to able to remember what is what, so thanks for the information. Perhaps I should get a bird book as well.
That book is one of "the classics", Cara, but don't forget the web - excellent for birds and you can listen to their songs as well. Technology can be grand!
Hahahaa... Cara, mine has the same title, but the authors are Simpson and Day. :D
He's a gorgeous little fella. I like the sound of your bird book Cara, mine gives me all the info but not a human interpretation of the bird calls, I like the sound of that!
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