Thrush or Blackbird ?

General birdwatching discussion, help with bird identification, and all other things relating to wild birds and birding in NZ that don't fit in one of the other forums.
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic
Jim Kirker
Posts: 219
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:54 pm

Thrush or Blackbird ?

Postby Jim Kirker » Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:34 pm

I think this is a young female song thrush because the breast mottling is cream and not as well marked as I would expect in an adult. The bird flew a short distance away from me and stayed perched for several minutes nearby while I took photos. I thought from it's behaviour and breast mottling that it was probably an immature blackbird, but the lack of mottling on its upper parts seems to fit better with thrush. It was by the pond at Gloucester Reserve in Auckland late this morning.
Bird at Gloucester Reserve 23 Nov 2020.JPG
Bird at Gloucester Reserve 23 Nov 2020.JPG (376.7 KiB) Viewed 1129 times
Top
Finn Davey
Posts: 234
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:38 am
Contact:
Contact Finn Davey

Re: Thrush or Blackbird ?

Postby Finn Davey » Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:34 pm

Neither
This is a juvenile European Starling
Top
Jim Kirker
Posts: 219
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:54 pm

Re: Thrush or Blackbird ?

Postby Jim Kirker » Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:10 pm

It didn't even cross my mind, so there's a lesson ! There was a flock of starlings and I didn't see or hear a thrush so should have thought of it. Thanks Finn.
Top
User avatar
AngryBird45
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Jul 19, 2020 10:50 am
Location: Waimakariri District, Canterbury
Contact:
Contact AngryBird45

Re: Thrush or Blackbird ?

Postby AngryBird45 » Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:56 pm

FYI, Starlings are horrible pests.
133 birds on my life list since 17 June 2020, latest bird Common Tern.
93 birds on my 2024 year list as of 6:50pm 13 January, latest bird Indian Peafowl.

15 y/o birder from the Waimak and Paradise Shelduck campaigner: facebook.com/paradiseshelduck.
Top
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Return to “General Birding Discussion”