Little Wattlebird

Little Wattlebird

Anthochaera chrysoptera

Least Concern

With its melodious and sometimes grating calls, the Little Wattlebird is a lively fixture in the diverse habitats of eastern and southeastern Australia, including Tasmania. Though it lacks the prominent wattles of its larger relatives, this adaptable member of the honeyeater family makes up for it with a subtle charm, sporting a dusky brown plumage that blends seamlessly into the coastal heaths and urban gardens it frequents. As it darts from flower to flower, the Little Wattlebird's ceaseless search for nectar and insects is a testament to its role as a vital pollinator in the Australian ecosystem.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Brown

Secondary Colors

Grey, White

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Brown

Beak Type

Curved

Beak Color

Black

Leg Color

Dark Grey

Distinctive Markings

Reddish patches on the shoulders

Tail Description

Long with a rounded tip

Size Metrics

27cm to 35cm

Length

28cm to 32cm

Wingspan

44g to 85g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Harsh 'yaars' or 'chow-chow'

Call Description

A varied repertoire of raspy calls and melodic sounds

Alarm Calls

Gruff, scolding calls

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active throughout the day, foraging and defending territories

Social Habits

Often seen alone or in pairs; can be aggressive towards other birds

Territorial Behavior

Defends feeding territories vigorously

Migratory Patterns

Sedentary with some local movements

Interaction with Other Species

Aggressive, particularly towards smaller honeyeaters

Diet

Primary Diet

Nectar, Insects, Berries

Feeding Habits

Forages in shrubs and trees, probing flowers for nectar

Feeding Times

Dawn and dusk are peak feeding times

Prey Capture Method

Gleaning from foliage and flowers

Diet Variations

Diet varies based on flower availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Relies heavily on nectar

Nesting

Nesting Location

In dense shrubs or trees

Nest Construction

Loose, bowl-shaped nest made of twigs and grass

Breeding Season

August to December

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Up to three a year

Egg Appearance

Pale brown with darker spots

Egg Size

22 mm x 16 mm

Clutch Characteristics

2 to 3 eggs per clutch

Incubation Period

16 - 20 days

Fledgling Period

14 - 16 days

Parental Care

Both parents feed the chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Eastern and southeastern Australia, including Tasmania

Habitat Description

Woodlands, forests, coastal heaths, and urban gardens

Elevation Range

From sea level to mountainous regions

Migration Patterns

Sedentary with some local movements

Biome

Temperate Forests, Shrubland, Urban

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

© 2024 - Birdfact

Resident or Present

Australia

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Average Lifespan

7 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

May breed in colonies

Conservation Status

Current Status

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Conservation Efforts

Habitat preservation and restoration efforts

Classification

Other names:

Brush Wattlebird

Family:

Meliphagidae

Population size:

Not precisely known

Population trend:

Conservation status:

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

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