Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
Least Concern
The New Holland Honeyeater, a vibrant and active bird, is a common sight in the woodlands and gardens of southern Australia. Renowned for its striking black and white plumage accented with touches of bright yellow, this bird is not only a visual delight but also plays a crucial role in pollinating flowers as it searches for nectar.
Time of year: Spring to summer
Males and females have similar plumage
Black
Black
White, Yellow
White, Brighter Yellow
Black
Black
Curved
Black
Black
Grey
Grey
White ear patch, yellow wing patch
More pronounced yellow wing patch
Medium length, black with white tips
White tips become more prominent
17cm to 22cm
Length
29cm to 32cm
Wingspan
20g to 35g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Juvenile New Holland Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater calling out
New Holland Honeyeater feeding on nectar
New Holland Honeyeater in-flight
Varied, including harsh chattering and clear melodious notes
Loud, musical and varied, often repeated in sequences
Sharp, rapid chattering
Active throughout the day, especially at dawn and dusk
Often found in small groups, sometimes solitary
Defends feeding territories
Sedentary with some local movements
Aggressive towards other nectar feeders
Nectar, Insects
Feeds on nectar from flowers, catches insects in flight
Throughout the day, peaks in early morning and late afternoon
Hawking for insects, probing flowers for nectar
Diet varies with flower availability
Dependent on flowering plants for nectar
In dense shrubs or trees, often near water
Small, cup-shaped nest made of grass and spider webs
July to December
Up to three
Creamy-white with brown spots
Approximately 2cm x 1.5cm
2-3 eggs per clutch
Around 14 days
16-20 days
Both parents feed and care for chicks
Southern Australia, including Tasmania
Woodlands, gardens, heath
Sea level to 1000m
Sedentary with some local movements
Temperate Forests, Shrubland
Temperate
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.