A small, slim endemic warbler common throughout New Zealand. Gray-brown above and paler gray to off-white below. Tail is darker, tipped with white, most noticeable in flight. Adults have a distinctive red eye. Juvenile similar, with yellow coloration and brown eyes. Male has a distinctive long, bubbling musical song. Female gives short “chirp” contact calls. More often heard than seen, this species forages for insects in the forest understory or scrub, sometimes hovering among the outer foliage and twigs. On mainland New Zealand, this is the only host species of the nest parasite Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, and so Gray Gerygone parents can be encountered feeding much larger cuckoo chicks. Despite inhabiting the same areas, distinguishable from Silvereye by slightly larger size, greener upperparts, and lack of a white eye-ring. (eBird)
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Finally, a view of the Gray Gerygone (or Gray Warbler in NZ). We heard their lovely call every day, but almost never saw one. This one was in a mixed flock of other small birds enjoying the afternoon sun. They move fast and hide well, and I got only three photographs of this bird during the entire trip!
Te Anau Wildlife Centre, Southland, New Zealand. March 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
Tags: Canon EOS R6 Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM New Zealand Southland Roadrunner Birding Tours Adult Acanthizidae Endemic Least Concern
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Common in varied wooded and forested habitats, parks, gardens, farmland with hedges and scattered trees. Forms flocks in winter; often visits garden feeders. Handsome, brightly colored male is distinctive, with bluish cowl, pink face and breast, black-and-white wing pattern (colors muted in winter). Female much drabber but shares male pattern; especially note the complex wing pattern. Both sexes have white outer tail feathers, often striking in flight such as when flushed. (eBird)
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We encountered chaffinchs (another introduced species) over much of the country, but did not stop to photograph them too often since our focus was on native birds. This female, though, was in a parking area so I took advantage of the opportunity.
Victoria Domain Road, Marlborough, NZ. March 2024.
Roadrunner Birding Tours.
Tags: New Zealand Marlborough Roadrunner Birding Tours Canon EOS R6 Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Fringillidae Least Concern Introduced Adult Female
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Towards Centre Vale Park
(looking back)
Todmorden
West Yorkshire, UK.
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Little Owl
Athene noctua
steenuil
Chevêche d'Athéna ou Chouette chevêche
Steinkauz
Mochuelo Europeo
Civetta
Mocho-galego
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@ Yakushi pond park
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