I have taken some photos of a bird in my garden in Wendouree and was wondering if you could identify it for me.
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B.R., Wendouree.
Your bird is a striated pardalote, a tiny bird that turns up at various places in Ballarat from time to time.
Its preference is for bushland and eucalypt trees, rather than suburban gardens. Most suburban sightings are in spring and summer.
Identifying features are the white stripes in its wings, and fine white streaks on its black crown. It builds a nest in tree holes, or perhaps in brickwork. There is usually a short tunnel before the true nest chamber is entered.
The striated pardalote is very much a bird of the gum trees, feeding on insects found among the gumleaves. Scale insects on the leaves are a favourite food.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au