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Inspiring and Supporting Photographers of Australian Birds

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Having trouble identifying a bird? Hopefully, someone here can help.
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Unidentified Small Bird - possibly Juvenile Grey Fantail 8 months 11 hours ago #3504

  • Michael Hamel-Green
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I am having some trouble identifying this small bird with its brownish head and back. After much poring over the ABG "bible", the closest I can come is a possible Juvenile Grey Fantail with its rufous tinges but even then I am not seeing rufous on its breast. It caught my attention because it was carrying on like a two-bob watch, perched on beaded glasswort at The Spit Reserve, Werribee, constantly spreading and unspreading its wings and being very vocal. Perhaps in a juvenile tantrum because breakfast had not arriving on time. Here are two photos, one of its display behaviour, the other a profile. Can anyone assist?
Michael
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Unidentified Small Bird - possibly Juvenile Grey Fantail 8 months 11 hours ago #3505

  • Bindi Hillen
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Hi Michael,
You have got a little grass bird that is uncharacteristically good for photographs on top of a bush!
The rufous cap and wing scalloping show that is a little grass bird (Identifying features).
Cheers,
Bindi

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Unidentified Small Bird - possibly Juvenile Grey Fantail 8 months 10 hours ago #3506

  • Michael Hamel-Green
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Dear Bindi,
Many thanks for getting back so quickly on this. I would never have thought of a Little Grass Bird. First time I have seen one. Any idea as to whether it is an adult or juvenile? Looking at the illustrations in the ABG, the strong streaking on the back is suggesting an adult to me, in which case I may have been looking at a mating display.
Cheers,
Michael

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