New Holland Honeyeater

New Holland Honeyeater

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.

Appearance and Identification

Time of year: Spring to summer

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Black

Primary Color (seasonal)

Black

Secondary Colors

White, Yellow

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

White, Brighter Yellow

Wing Color

Black

Wing Color (seasonal)

Black

Beak Type

Curved

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (seasonal)

Black

Leg Color

Grey

Leg Color (seasonal)

Grey

Distinctive Markings

White ear patch, yellow wing patch

Distinctive Markings (seasonal)

More pronounced yellow wing patch

Tail Description

Medium length, black with white tips

Tail Description (seasonal)

White tips become more prominent

Size Metrics

17cm to 22cm

Length

29cm to 32cm

Wingspan

20g to 35g

Weight

Photos

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

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Varied, including harsh chattering and clear melodious notes

Call Description

Loud, musical and varied, often repeated in sequences

Alarm Calls

Sharp, rapid chattering

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active throughout the day, especially at dawn and dusk

Social Habits

Often found in small groups, sometimes solitary

Territorial Behavior

Defends feeding territories

Migratory Patterns

Sedentary with some local movements

Interaction with Other Species

Aggressive towards other nectar feeders

Diet

Primary Diet

Nectar, Insects

Feeding Habits

Feeds on nectar from flowers, catches insects in flight

Feeding Times

Throughout the day, peaks in early morning and late afternoon

Prey Capture Method

Hawking for insects, probing flowers for nectar

Diet Variations

Diet varies with flower availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Dependent on flowering plants for nectar

Nesting

Nesting Location

In dense shrubs or trees, often near water

Nest Construction

Small, cup-shaped nest made of grass and spider webs

Breeding Season

July to December

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Up to three

Egg Appearance

Creamy-white with brown spots

Egg Size

Approximately 2cm x 1.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-3 eggs per clutch

Incubation Period

Around 14 days

Fledgling Period

16-20 days

Parental Care

Both parents feed and care for chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Southern Australia, including Tasmania

Habitat Description

Woodlands, gardens, heath

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1000m

Migration Patterns

Sedentary with some local movements

Biome

Temperate Forests, Shrubland

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