Anthochaera carunculata
Red Wattlebird
The Red Wattlebird is a large honeyeater with distinctive red wattles hanging from its cheeks. Its plumage is primarily grey-brown, with a streaked chest and prominent white patches on the wings and tail.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having smaller wattles and duller plumage. The bird's size and wattles become more pronounced as it matures.
Length
33cm to 37cm
Wingspan
45cm to 50cm
Weight
100g to 120g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Brown
Secondary Colour
White Red Yellow
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Red Wattlebirds are endemic to Australia and are found across the southern and eastern parts of the continent. They inhabit a variety of woodland environments, including eucalyptus forests, coastal heathlands, and urban parks.
In southern Australia, some populations undertake seasonal movements, moving to warmer areas during winter. They are common in many Australian cities and adapt well to urban environments with suitable vegetation.
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
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Red Wattlebirds primarily feed on nectar from native flowers, particularly eucalyptus and banksia. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during breeding season.
These birds also consume fruits and have been observed drinking sap from tree trunks.
Red Wattlebirds are known for their aggressive territorial behaviour, often chasing away other birds from feeding areas. They move through trees with a bouncing flight pattern, frequently pausing to scan their surroundings.
These birds are also known to gather in noisy groups, especially near abundant food sources.
Red Wattlebirds are known for their loud, harsh calls. Their most common vocalisation is a raucous 'yak-yak-yak' or a loud, coughing 'kwok'.
During the breeding season, males may produce a softer, more musical song. They're also known to occasionally mimic other bird species.
Red Wattlebirds typically breed between July and December, with some regional variations. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and may re-pair in subsequent years.
The nest is a large, cup-shaped structure made of twigs, bark, and grass, often lined with softer materials. It's usually placed high in a tree fork. Females lay 2-3 pale pink eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 16 days, with both parents sharing duties. Nestlings fledge after approximately 15 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
The Red Wattlebird typically lives for 8 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
While the Red Wattlebird is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss and fragmentation pose potential threats.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving native vegetation in urban and suburban areas, which provide important feeding and nesting sites for these birds.
Wattled Honeyeater, Gillbird
Main predators include large birds of prey such as goshawks and falcons, as well as introduced mammals like cats and foxes in urban areas.
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website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthochaera carunculata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22704466A130382437.
View sourcereport, 2000: Morcombe
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source