Spotted Pardalotes nest in tunnels that they dig using their bills and feet – it’s remarkable that such tiny birds are such effective excavators.
Spotted Pardalote ~ female
Canon 5DIII, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 1600
I was enjoying a spring stroll with a friend last weekend when a pardalote darted across the pathway and perched above us. I glanced down and the freshly disturbed earth at the mouth of a small tunnel was an obvious give away. We walked further along the track before climbing the opposite bank and nestling ourselves among the plants for a few moments.
In the image above the female is emerging from the tunnel with earth on her bill. Several years ago Spotted Pardalotes burrowed into a pile of earth in my garden and once the fledglings had flown I was able to photograph the nest itself, which I’ve shared in an earlier post: Spotted Pardalotes
Spotted Pardalote ~ female
Canon 5DIII, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 1600
The female briefly perched outside of the next and glanced towards us when she heard the soft click of the shutter button which I had set to ‘silent shooting’. Females have subtler markings that the males but are still exquisitely beautiful.
Spotted Pardalote ~ female
Canon 5DIII, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 1600
She went straight back to work using her feet to throw soil behind her. Sometimes all we saw was soil flying out of the tunnel.
Spotted Pardalote ~ male and female
Canon 5DIII, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 1600
At one point both the male and female flew to the tunnel entrance, the male is on the left. They have chosen a fairly busy pathway for their nest so I hope their habit of darting quickly from the mouth of the tunnel will keep them safe from passing dogs.
Spotted Pardalote ~ male
Canon 5DIII, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 1600
The lighting was poor along the pathway, hence the slow shutter speed and high ISO. The male watched us briefly as he preened in the branches on the opposite bank. These images were taken at a long focal length and are heavily cropped.
Last year I posted images of another pardalote couple in a post called Pardalotes and granulated sugar.
Signs of spring bring me joy, I hope they have the same effect on you.
Happy birding, Kim
~ Thank you for visiting and commenting
~ If you would like a weekly email letting you know that lirralirra has been updated please use the ‘subscribe’ box above right
Very interesting series of pictures. They also help me to distinguish adult male from adult female. Juvenile males are similar to female due to the yellow dots on crown. Can you tell me where (approximately) did you take this pictures? Thank you Kim!
Hi Maurizio, so sorry not to have answered your note exactly a year ago today, that is a bizarre coincidence! I took these images on Phillip Island though I’ve seen pardalotes in many other places.
They’re beautiful Kim and I feel even closer to them having walked along this path. Thank you for sharing this xx
I’m sorry we didn’t get to see them, maybe next time! They are exquisite little birds and I’m glad you like them 🙂 x
What beautiful little birds! They’re just amazing and the fact they dig just makes them even more wonderful!! 🙂
I totally agree Rachel. They are lovely little birds, they’re looking for a place to nest here but I’m not sure whether they’ll find one. I hope they do!
Okay so another totally wonderful little bird and a beauty to boot! How cool they “dig” which to me is absolutely amazing. Cute cute cute!!!!
They are exquisite little birds, Sherry, and it is odd that they dig tunnels!
So beautiful, Kim. You’ve captured them wonderfully. It was such a special experience sitting there with you, watching these little birds. Thank you! xxx
It was certainly a magical moment Sue, then again we seem to have them whenever I’m lucky enough to catch up with you!
Beautiful!
I agree Susie, they are stunning little birds.
.
Aw they are just adorable! And such clever things 🙂
I think humans often underestimate just how clever birds etc are. They can make their homes, raise their families, find their food and shelter without needing shops or tradies … they’re brilliant 🙂
Gorgeous shots. One of my very favourite birds.
Mine too Leanne!
Ask your littlies what they saw on my windowsill today.
Hi Kim, superb, well done for all.
Thank you Alain
Once again a beautiful posting Kim. We used to see these beautiful small birds in our previous home in Tassie. Now in northern NSW we have seen the entrances along our roadway but so far no siting of the birds themselves. We will be patient. Thanks for the gorgeous pics, delightful one of the pair.
I like the pair image too Alison. It’s far from brilliant technically but it was adorable to see them together. I hope your patience is treated with lots of sightings this year!
A couple of years ago a pardalote pair made a nest in a hanging pot on our back veranda. they excavated two or three pots before they were happy. I was thrilled. They successfully raised two chicks as well. This year they are in our garden (yay) but are not nesting as close. I hope they are equally successful.
Loved your shots of their vivid perfection. Yet more feathered enchantment.
You’ve made me want to invest in some hanging pots EC. I wouldn’t get a speck of work done but I’d very much enjoy watching them. I hope your little family bring their fledglings to visit you this year.
They’re just magic photos as per usual Kim. Gorgeous. I just checked these guys out on my Field Guide and they’re supposed to be up my way, though I’ve never seen one…
If you can learn their call Evie I think you’ll be surprised how often you hear it, and then you’ll know where to start looking. I hope you see one soon, good luck!
How right you are Kim, these little bird are very amazing , beautiful colors , just look so adorable ,those of us who are able to view your talent in getting these shots Kim are blessed indeed. Love it.
I’m glad you like them Dona. This afternoon one landed on my windowsill, just a metre from where I sit. They really are outstandingly beautiful.
And it greatly helped that the window’s had just been cleaned!