Red Wattlebird

Least Concern

Anthochaera carunculata

This boisterous honeyeater, with its distinctive red wattles, is a common sight in gardens and woodlands across Australia.

Visual Identification

Appearance

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.

Size

Length

33cm to 37cm

Wingspan

45cm to 50cm

Weight

100g to 120g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Brown

Secondary Colour

White Red Yellow

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 65
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 90
Endurance 70

Diet

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.

Behaviour

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Nesting & Breeding

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 8 - 10 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 13 years [1]
0
4
8
11
15

years

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but common throughout its range [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Red Wattlebirds in flowering eucalyptus trees and gardens with native plants.
  • Listen for their distinctive harsh, coughing call, which often gives away their presence.
  • Observe their aggressive behaviour towards other birds at feeding sites.
  • In urban areas, check parks and gardens with mature trees and flowering shrubs.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Wattled Honeyeater, Gillbird

Family:

Meliphagidae

Predators

Main predators include large birds of prey such as goshawks and falcons, as well as introduced mammals like cats and foxes in urban areas.

Did You Know?

  1. Red Wattlebirds can live up to 13 years in the wild.
  2. They play a crucial role in pollinating native Australian plants.
  3. The size of their wattles can indicate the bird's age and health status.

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References

  1. 2 4

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthochaera carunculata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22704466A130382437.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2000: Morcombe

  3. 1

    website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme

    View source