A shadowy challenge, NSW, Australia (1 Viewer)

[Wiganlad]

Seen around Narrabeen Lagoon 0n 4/2/24, this is all I saw! I present the original version and a second version with contrast dialled right down and brightness up a bit. I suspect White-cheeked Honeyeater. Any thoughts?

 

[THE_FERN]

I can see a white patch on the side of the head: I agree it's something like White-cheeked or possibly New Holland (if occurs).

 

[Butty]

I'm not convinced that the 'cheek-patch' is real rather than photo-artifact, and its shape/position doesn't fit those of either white-cheeked honeyeater or New Holland honeyeater - though the streaky underparts do look real which would mean that those two species are the only options anyway - given that it does look like a honeyeater. In my opinion.

 

[THE_FERN]

Manipulating the photo in gimp strongly suggests that the white patch is a real feature of the bird and not an artifact. The precise lie of the white cheek in (e.g) white-cheek is extremely variable. Tbh I thought it was one of those species even before gimp

 

[Wiganlad]

Thank you both for your input. I think the White-cheeked is favourite due to the size of the white patch. The white tail tips also guided me to the two species of honeyeater that we have considered.