During my recent trip to Australia, I was fortunate to enjoy a few days of camping at pristine Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Each morning I was woken by flocks of Blue-faced Honeyeaters, who regularly descended on our campground. These birds were so bold that they ate broken crackers out of my hand. Males of most species are more colorful than the females, so they can lead prey away from nests where the female is sitting on eggs or raising chicks. But the Blue-faced Honeyeaters displayed one of the most stunning differences I have ever seen in birds. On the left is the female, with her olive back feathers, black neck ring, and green-gold eyebrow. The male on the right has the brilliant blue eyebrow that earned the species its name.
When you see such beautiful birds from another continent, you understand how much our planet is diverse and unique. Great shots!
Thanks Tommie! I was just fascinated by these bold birds, who even ate out of my hand!