This bird was high up in a Silky Oak tree on my friend's property, so not the best shot. However, they are hard to get sitting still long enough so I've had to make do with this. Noisy Friarbirds (Philemon corniculatus) are honeyeaters and, as their name suggests, never seem to stop cackling and squabbling over their meals. They get their name from their completely bald heads. They have red eyes and little bumps on the end of their beaks, as above. They are not the most beautiful of birds but I love them, just the same, for their busy, noisy nature. They compete with the parrots for the best of the Australian native flowers like these Silky Oak blossoms.
It never ceases to amaze me the lengths Nature goes to with her creatures. And there's usually a purpose. I wonder why he's bald and got a bump on his beak? And you can certainly see the dinosaur link in the shape of that head.
Well done to catch him/her.
I recall seeing 3 G. robusta on the way to Dubbo one time and they were soooooo tall, easily well over 30m. And I always thought my neighbour's tree in our suburban backyard was big! Great bird too, always like these guys in the garden. The Manus version has an amazing voice!
@bobfoto These trees are gigantic and they grow easily to 30m around here. All flowering at the moment and spectacular next to the jacarandas. I haven't heard the friarbirds in PNG (probably did, but was unaware at the time; too young and dumb!)
@girlie - The Helmeted Friarbird was popular around Moresby and there was a Meyer's and a Brass's Fbirds but I never really noticed them... meant to be common, smaller bird and their heads were not as distinct at the Helmeted. But over on the islands, there are the 3 they call the Bismarck Fbirds, the New England, the New Ireland and the Manus. Not only did the Manus bird have a beautiful voice but he had a white chest and belly and always looked cleaner then the other Fbirds. Got lens on one or two, but back when I only had a 40-150mm kit lens...
@bobfoto Wish I'd been more interested in the flora and fauna of PNG when I was there. Would love to go back and check it out now. Friend and I have been talking about it but think we need some good advice about safety, etc., first.
@bobfoto Yes, I know. Trying not to get too caught up in all sorts of different technology; not enough hours in the day. Will get on to you if we decide to do a PNG adventure.
Well done to catch him/her.