Hell, I know nothing about birds, but it doesn't look like that Motmot to me - the plumage looks different. I'd say it was some sort of Tit, because of the eye stripe, but the beak is wrong and judging by the background I assume it's somewhere more exotic?
CaptainHero
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." Bertrand Russell
Terrific shot, Pierre! It looks more like one of the bee-eaters to me than it does like a motmot, but more like the white-fronted bee-eater variety (usually found in Africa or India, although they do migrate) than the European bee-eater variety. At least that's my humble opinion. :D Whatever the species it's a great shot...high marks and kudos! :)
This is a beutiful bird. SO now, the question has it's answer! Wonderful capture Pierre. Very nice of this beauty to pose while you snapped this photo to share with us! Whatever it is, it is in my fav's on my HD. Thank you.
Wow! A lot of nice comments on that bird!!! The photo was taken in Paradisio Park, in a tropical greenhouse. I was too busy to take photos, than I forgot to look at the informations on that bird... :-) Thanks again!
I was sure this was a bee-eater as soon as I saw it. We get one here that looks very similar, I will check to see if it is migratory but I think it is more brightly colored than this one; of course the plumage could be seasonal...
After some investigation, I think Mary is right, it is a white fronted bee-eater. Here is a link: http://www.junglewalk.com/popup.asp?type=s&AnimalwebsiteID=1731 Note the white stripe on the throat with the patch of reddish brown underneath, and the green wings. More info: http://www.junglewalk.com/popup.asp?type=s&AnimalwebsiteID=2857, although the photo isn't as good (neither of them are as good as yours Pierre)
Beautiful capture, Pierre - lovely fine detail in the feathers and great use of focus to separate him from the BG. And I'll go along with him being a bee-eater, although I wouldn't have known he was the white-fronted variety...
this one is so cute.. all those colours are so gorgeous. i like the contrast between them and the background.. how do you manage to impress me every time??! :)
and the little birdy.. did you find out what is it? well.. it doesn't matter, he is famous in here :))) and i agree, more co-operative than that parrot, heheh :)
Hi Pierre
This is an excellent shot of a beautiful bird. Sorry I don't know what it is, but I think it might be a type of insect eater from the look of its beak. Well done great shot!
Deborah
Beautiful bird. I have a bachelors in wildlife sciences and I would say it is an old white fronted bee-eater. Most white fronted bee-eaters have a red patch underneath the white stripe, but this one is faded quite a bit, which is why I would say it is pretty old. Great photo though!