New Holland Honeyeater
Least ConcernPhylidonyris novaehollandiae
Visual Identification
New Holland Honeyeater
Appearance
The New Holland Honeyeater is a striking small bird with bold black and white plumage. Its back, wings, and tail are black with white edges, while the underparts are white with fine black streaks. A distinctive yellow patch on the wing and a white iris stand out against the black head.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having duller plumage and brown eyes. The bird's slender, slightly curved bill is well-adapted for nectar feeding.
Size
Length
16cm to 20cm
Wingspan
22cm to 26cm
Weight
17g to 23g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White Yellow
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
New Holland Honeyeaters are found across southern Australia, including Tasmania, and parts of southeastern Australia. They inhabit various environments, including coastal heathlands, woodlands, forests, and urban gardens with native plants.
While primarily sedentary, some populations in cooler regions may undertake local movements in search of food during winter. They are common in many urban and suburban areas where native plants are present.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
The New Holland Honeyeater primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native flowers, particularly those of the Proteaceae and Myrtaceae families. They supplement their diet with insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins.
These birds have been observed catching insects on the wing, showcasing their agility.
Behaviour
New Holland Honeyeaters are active and agile, often seen darting from flower to flower in search of nectar. They are territorial, vigorously defending flowering plants from other nectar-feeding birds.
These birds are also known for their 'anting' behaviour, where they rub insects on their feathers, possibly as a form of self-medication or feather maintenance.
Vocalisation
New Holland Honeyeaters are vocal birds with a variety of calls. Their most common call is a sharp, metallic 'chik' or 'chik-up', often repeated rapidly.
During territorial disputes, they produce a harsh, scolding 'chwok' sound. When alarmed, they emit a high-pitched, piercing whistle that serves as a warning to other birds.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs mainly from July to November, with some regional variations. New Holland Honeyeaters form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. The female builds a cup-shaped nest using bark, grass, and spider webs, typically placed in dense shrubs or low trees.
The female lays 2-3 pale pink eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13-15 days. The eggs are oval-shaped and measure approximately 20 x 14 mm.
Both parents feed nestlings and fledge after 13-15 days. The young birds remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest, gradually learning to forage independently.
Lifespan
The New Holland Honeyeater typically lives for 5 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 22.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the New Holland Honeyeater is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving native vegetation and encouraging the planting of native flowering species in urban and suburban areas to maintain suitable habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in flowering native plants, especially grevilleas and banksias
- Listen for their distinctive 'chik-up' call, often repeated rapidly
- Observe their quick, darting flight patterns between flowers
- Set up a nectar feeder in your garden to attract them
- Visit coastal heathlands or woodland edges for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
White-bearded Honeyeater
Family:
MeliphagidaePredators
Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as domestic and feral cats in urban areas. Snakes and goannas may also prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- New Holland Honeyeaters can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar each day.
- They play a crucial role in pollination, transferring pollen between flowers as they feed.
- These birds have a brush-tipped tongue specially adapted for nectar feeding.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Phylidonyris novaehollandiae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22704361A93964734.
View source - 3 4
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Phylidonyris novaehollandiae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22704361A93964734.
View source - 1
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source