Oriole Whistler

Small bird of dense heath and shrubland in southeastern Australia. Pale brown above, whitish below, with distinct pale supercilium, red-brown rump, small white patch at the base of primaries, fine dark chest streaking, and long, cocked tail. Forages quietly on the ground or in thick vegetation, where difficult to see. Compare Shy Heathwren, which has a white wing spot, more black in wing, and darker legs.

A large, brightly colored parrot with a red head and underside and a bright green upperside with a blue hind neck and tail. Occurs in a variety of habitats. Similar to Red Shining-Parrot, but has brighter red underparts and head with duller brownish orange eye; the two occur on nearby islands but do not overlap. Voice is typical of parrots, including a variety of nasal “erh” and “grrraah” calls.

A fairly large weaver with a long thin pointed bill. The male has a pale eye, and during the breeding season a brownish wash to the ear. Non-breeding males and females are dull, with olive-green upperparts and paler underparts. Found locally in areas with a mix of trees, bushes, and abundant grassy ground cover. Nests adjacent water. Gives a typical weaver chattering and rasping song, and a “chek” call. Breeding males are distinctive, and other plumages can be identified with caution by a combination of their size, long and thin bill, and the pale eyes of the males.