Regent Honeyeater
Critically EndangeredAnthochaera phrygia
Visual Identification
Regent Honeyeater
Appearance
The Regent Honeyeater is a striking medium-sized bird with distinctive black and yellow plumage. Its head, neck, and upper breast are black, contrasting with bright yellow panels on the wings and tail. The lower breast and belly display intricate scalloped patterns of pale yellow and white.
Both sexes have similar plumage, though females may be slightly duller. Juveniles are browner with less distinct markings. The bird's face has a unique warty texture, giving it a characteristic appearance.
Size
Length
20cm to 24cm
Wingspan
30cm to 35cm
Weight
35g to 50g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Yellow
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Regent Honeyeaters are endemic to south-eastern Australia, primarily found in New South Wales and Victoria. They inhabit dry eucalypt woodlands and forests, particularly those with abundant nectar-producing trees like ironbarks, box eucalypts, and yellow gum.
Their distribution is patchy and varies seasonally based on flowering patterns. Key breeding areas include the Capertee Valley in New South Wales and the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park in Victoria.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Regent Honeyeaters primarily feed on nectar from eucalyptus and mistletoe flowers. They supplement their diet with insects, especially when feeding young.
These birds have a brush-tipped tongue specially adapted for nectar feeding and can perform complex acrobatics to reach flowers.
Behaviour
Regent Honeyeaters are highly nomadic, following the flowering patterns of their preferred eucalyptus trees. They are often seen foraging in the canopy, moving quickly between flowers.
These birds can be territorial during the breeding season, fiercely defending nectar-rich feeding areas from other honeyeaters and even larger birds.
Vocalisation
Regent Honeyeaters have a diverse vocal repertoire. Their calls include soft, bell-like notes, harsh chattering, and melodious warbling songs. They often mimic other bird species, incorporating these sounds into their own vocalisations.
During the breeding season, males sing complex songs to attract mates and defend territories.
Nesting & Breeding
Regent honeyeaters breed from August to January, coinciding with the flowering of key eucalyptus species. During this time, they form monogamous pairs. They construct cup-shaped nests from bark strips, grasses, and spider webs, typically placed high in a eucalyptus tree.
Females usually lay 2-3 pale pink eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14 days. The nestling period is approximately 16 days.
After fledging, young birds remain dependent on their parents for several weeks. Breeding success is often low due to nest predation and competition for resources.
Lifespan
The Regent Honeyeater typically lives for 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10 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
The Regent Honeyeater is critically endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Intensive conservation efforts are underway, including captive breeding programs, habitat restoration, and community engagement initiatives. Every sighting is crucial for monitoring this species' recovery.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Regent Honeyeaters in flowering eucalyptus trees, particularly ironbarks and box eucalypts
- Listen for their distinctive bell-like calls and harsh chattering
- Search in small flocks, especially during non-breeding season
- Check known breeding sites in spring and summer
- In Australia, join organised surveys to contribute to conservation efforts
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Warty-faced Honeyeater, Embroidered Honeyeater
Family:
MeliphagidaePredators
Main predators include birds of prey such as goshawks and currawongs, as well as introduced mammals like cats and foxes. Nest predators also include possums and snakes.
Did You Know?
- Regent Honeyeaters can fly over 100 km (around 62 miles) in search of flowering eucalyptus trees.
- They play a crucial role in pollination, carrying pollen over long distances between isolated tree populations.
- The species' population has declined by over 80% in the last three generations.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Anthochaera phrygia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22704415A130992272.
View source - 3 4
report, 2011: Garnett et al.
- 1
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source