Red Wattlebird

Red Wattlebird

Anthochaera carunculata

Least Concern

The Red Wattlebird, a boisterous Australian native, is easily recognised by its vibrant red wattles dangling from the sides of its neck. With a mottled brown and grey plumage and a distinctive yellow belly patch, this bird is not only a visual treat but also an auditory spectacle with its varied and sometimes mimicking calls. Commonly found flitting through woodlands and urban gardens, the Red Wattlebird is as much a part of the Aussie landscape as the eucalyptus trees it frequents for nectar.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Brown

Secondary Colors

Grey, White, Black

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Brown

Beak Type

Long and pointed

Beak Color

Black

Leg Color

Pink

Distinctive Markings

Red wattles on cheeks, yellow belly patch

Tail Description

Long with white tips

Size Metrics

33cm to 37cm

Length

49cm

Wingspan

100g to 120g

Weight

Photos

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

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Loud, harsh and varied

Call Description

Includes grating noises and can mimic other bird species

Alarm Calls

Harsher, more urgent versions of regular calls

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active throughout the day, foraging and defending territory

Social Habits

Solitary or in small groups, can be aggressive especially near feeding sites

Territorial Behavior

Territorial, often seen chasing away other birds

Migratory Patterns

Limited local movements related to food availability

Interaction with Other Species

Aggressive interactions with other nectar feeders

Diet

Primary Diet

Nectar, Insects, Berries

Feeding Habits

Feeds on nectar by probing flowers with its long beak, catches insects in flight

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Gleaning from foliage and catching in mid-air

Diet Variations

Diet varies with availability of flowering plants and insect populations

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Relies on flowering plants for nectar

Nesting

Nesting Location

In trees or shrubs, usually hidden among dense foliage

Nest Construction

Bowl-shaped, constructed from twigs and grasses

Breeding Season

July to December

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One or two

Egg Appearance

Oval, cream-colored with brown spots

Egg Size

Approximately 2.5cm x 3.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-3 eggs per clutch

Incubation Period

About 20 days

Fledgling Period

About 30 days

Parental Care

Both parents feed and care for chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Southern Australia, including Tasmania and coastal islands

Habitat Description

Woodlands, forests, urban gardens and parks

Elevation Range

Sea level to mid-elevation

Migration Patterns

Limited local movements related to food availability

Biome

Forest, Woodland, 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

Lifespan range (years)

3

15

Average Lifespan

Up to 15 year(s)

Maturity Age

1 year(s)

Breeding Age

1 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

May form long-term pair bonds

Conservation Status

Current Status

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation, predation by domestic cats

Conservation Efforts

Not specifically targeted due to stable population

Population Trend

Population is considered stable, no significant trends

Classification

Other names:

Barkingbird, Gillbird

Family:

Meliphagidae

Population trend:

Stable

Conservation status:

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

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