The eye contact is fine. I agree about the need to include the tail feathers. The background often mars the scene. If you study the old masters of Hollywood, you will find them playing with the light and dark spots. The brightest spot will never be so big in the frame. In case of nature photography, we can strive to eliminate the spot either by moving to another side or even trying to directly place the subject or any tree etc to block the bright highlight.

Another approach is to wait for the bird to move to a suitable perch in better light. It is a waiting game.

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi