This rather stunning little fellow is a Epthianura tricolor a.k.a. Crimson Chat, tricoloured chat, saltbush canary, and crimson-breasted nun. A reasonably small bird at 10-12 cms.
The male sports a bright crimson crown and breast to attract the ladies while the female wears more muted colours to keep well hidden from predators when nesting.
Crimson Chat was quietly sitting there grooming his feathers and I nearly walked right past him! He kept a close eye on me while he continued his feather maintenance routine.
I cannot find him listed on the Perth Zoo website and I neglected to get a photo of the information board at the entry to the Birds of the South-west aviary. But do keep an eye out for this little guy when you visit! He has the prettiest voice to go with his stunning plumage.
Crimson Chat
Conservation status: Least Concern
Distribution: Inland Australia to coats in Western Australia and Southern Australia
Habitat: open woodlands, plains, scrubs, grasslands
Sources:
Wikipedia
The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia
Find the Crimson Chat at the Birds of the South-west aviary.
Disclaimer: I paid to go to the zoo just like everyone else. I haven't been compensated for my time in writing this post. Perth Zoo does incredible conservation work and they need every dollar they can get to continue to support our native wildlife and to continue to contribute in world wide conservation programs.
What an adorable little fellow! And these are great photos.
ReplyDeleteHope you'll pop on over to http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/11/basilica-shrine-of-saint-mary.html to share
Thanks Sue. And for the reminder.
DeleteWhat a handsome guy! I love how you capture these birds. Makes me jealous!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing him with us at Photo Friday!
It's just a bit of practice but you do need the zoom!
DeleteAbsolutely stunning!!
ReplyDeleteYou are a fabulous wildlife photog!!
His name is wonderful too.
It's a rather charming name for a dapper little guy isn't it?
DeleteGreat looking bird! Love the fabulous red cap. And you photos!
ReplyDeleteI love how he has a matching vest to go with his cap ;)
DeleteWow - what a looker! Tell me, is his name pronounced like chit chat or the French for cat which is how I first read it? Thanks for joining in with #AnimalTales again - it truly has been an International week.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's a hard 'ch' like chalk and chit chat. I want to see a red kitty now =D
DeleteLovely series of a very nice bird!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Germany
Thank you Mascha =D
DeleteFantastic capture, and a beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteHe is adorable, the lighting was terrible so I was lucky to get a shot at all.
DeleteWhat amazing colour on the bird! Lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a bright red you would think he would be easy to spot, but it helps camouflage him well.
DeleteVery adorable little bird! You caught some nice photos.
ReplyDeleteIt was the first time I'd ever seen a crimson chat in person. He really was the cutest.
DeleteBeautiful bird. Love the red!
ReplyDeleteMe too! The red is rather spectacular.
DeleteThat is certainly a colorful little fellow. I can see why you would want to capture his image. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteIt was a challenge in the failing light but it was totally worth persevering to get the shots.
Deletewhat an amazing shade of red, the birds in the southern hemisphere are so much prettier
ReplyDeleteDo you think so? I'm always seeing birds from other countries that I think are stunning. Maybe it's just because they look so exotic to us?
Delete