Western Wattlebird Bird Facts (Anthochaera lunulata)

Western Wattlebird

Anthochaera lunulata

Not Evaluated

The Western Wattlebird, despite its name, lacks the distinctive wattles of its relatives, presenting a more subdued elegance with its dark brown-grey plumage and silvery cheek stripes. This agile honeyeater graces the woodlands and urban gardens of southwestern Australia, where its complex melodies and striking white-streaked appearance enchant onlookers. As a master of nectar foraging, this bird's dance among the flowers is a common and delightful sight, making it a cherished part of the region's natural tapestry.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Dark Brown

Secondary Colors

Grey, White, Brown

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Brown

Beak Type

Curved

Beak Color

Black

Leg Color

Grey

Distinctive Markings

Yellow wattles on cheeks, streaked underparts

Tail Description

Long and rounded

Size Metrics

27cm to 33cm

Length

39cm to 42cm

Wingspan

45g to 83g

Weight

Photos

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

Close up of a Western Wattlebird

Western Wattlebird feeding

Young Western Wattlebird begging for food

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Harsh, raspy calls

Call Description

A variety of calls including harsh chatters and melodious whistles

Alarm Calls

Abrupt, loud alarm calls

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, foraging in shrubs and trees

Social Habits

Solitary or in small groups, territorial during breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Aggressively defends feeding territories

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory, but may move locally in search of food

Interaction with Other Species

Competes with other nectar-feeding birds

Diet

Primary Diet

Nectar, Insects

Feeding Habits

Forages in foliage, often hangs upside down to feed

Feeding Times

Dawn and dusk

Prey Capture Method

Gleaning from foliage

Diet Variations

Seasonal variation depending on flower availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Dependent on nectar-producing plants

Nesting

Nesting Location

In dense shrubs or trees

Nest Construction

Shallow cup made of twigs and bark, bound with spider web

Breeding Season

August to December

Egg Appearance

Oval, pale pink with reddish-brown spots

Egg Size

2cm x 3cm

Clutch Characteristics

1 egg

Incubation Period

14-20 days

Fledgling Period

14-21 days

Parental Care

Both parents feed the young

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Southwestern Australia

Habitat Description

Woodlands, heathlands, and urban gardens

Elevation Range

Up to 300 meters

Migration Patterns

Non-migratory, but may move locally in search of food

Biome

Temperate Forests, Shrubland

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.

Resident or Present

Australia

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Lifespan range (years)

Average Lifespan

Up to 11 year(s)

Maturity Age

1 year(s)

Breeding Age

2 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

Seasonal breeder, often breeds in the same area

Age-Related Changes

Little information available

Conservation Status

Current Status

Not Evaluated (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss, predation by introduced species

Conservation Efforts

Unknown

Population Trend

There is limited data on population trends

Similar Birds

Red Wattlebird

Anthochaera carunculata

Yellow Wattlebird

Anthochaera paradoxa

Little Wattlebird

Anthochaera chrysoptera

Classification

Family:

Meliphagidae

Population size: