Red Wattlebird
Anthochaera carunculata
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red Wattlebird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red Wattlebird demonstrates considerable agility with its bouncing flight pattern through trees and ability to manoeuvre quickly when chasing other birds. Its adaptability to various environments, from forests to urban parks, also suggests good agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large honeyeater, the Red Wattlebird possesses moderate strength. Its size (33-37 cm length, 100-120 g weight) and ability to defend territories against other birds indicate above-average strength for its family.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Red Wattlebirds show high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from eucalyptus forests to urban gardens. Their ability to adjust to seasonal changes through partial migration and success in human-modified environments demonstrate excellent adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These birds are renowned for their aggressive territorial behaviour, frequently chasing away other birds from feeding areas. Their loud, harsh calls and confrontational nature in defending resources warrant a high aggression rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Red Wattlebirds display good endurance, evidenced by their partial migratory behaviour in southern Australia and ability to defend territories actively. Their lifespan of up to 13 years in the wild also suggests robust endurance, though specific data on long-distance flight capabilities is limited.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
MeliphagidaeAverage Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Max Lifespan
13 years [4]
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?
- Red Wattlebirds can live up to 13 years in the wild.
- They play a crucial role in pollinating native Australian plants.
- The size of their wattles can indicate the bird's age and health status.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthochaera carunculata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22704466A130382437.
View source - 2
report, 2000: Morcombe
- 4
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source
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