Orange Crowned Sparrow (1 Viewer)

[Edwin Sapatsch]

This interesting photo appeared in the SOS society's pages yesterday with a request for ID or explanation.

The bird was recorded on the Sussex coast GB

Ideas?

 

[Nutcracker]

Pollen, from feeding on nectar in a flower - perhaps most likely of Phormium tenax (a popular garden plant, which deposits its pollen on the crown of birds coming to visit for the nectar).

 

[PYRTLE]

Stained by pollen from feeding on the flowers of New Zealand flax plants and other similar flora. The birds soon learn that it is a good source of nectar etc, being primarily a seed eater.

Quite common on the Isles of Scilly where these exotic plants flourish. Sussex probably also has the climate.

 

[Edwin Sapatsch]

Very logical thanks folks..appreciated