White-cheeked Honeyeater Bird Facts (Phylidonyris niger)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is a striking small bird with bold black and white plumage. Its back, wings, and tail are predominantly black, contrasting sharply with white cheeks and underparts. A distinctive yellow panel on the wing and yellow edges on the tail feathers add vibrant accents.

Both sexes look similar, with juveniles appearing duller and browner than adults. The bird's slender, curved bill is well-adapted for nectar feeding, while its strong legs support its active foraging behaviour.

Size

Length

16cm to 20cm

Wingspan

20cm to 25cm

Weight

13g to 25g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White Yellow

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The White-cheeked Honeyeater can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The White-cheeked Honeyeater can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The White-cheeked Honeyeater can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

White-cheeked Honeyeaters are found along the eastern and southern coasts of Australia, from northern Queensland to South Australia, including Tasmania. They inhabit coastal heathlands, woodlands, and forests, preferring areas with a diverse range of flowering plants.

These birds are generally sedentary, maintaining their territories year-round. In urban areas, they can be found in parks and gardens with native plantings. They adapt well to human-modified environments that provide suitable nectar sources.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,400 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a White-cheeked Honeyeater. 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

Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Australia

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!

Share your thoughts

Bird 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 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Highly agile bird, capable of acrobatic feeding manoeuvres including hanging upside down to reach nectar. Their quick, darting movements between flowering plants and ability to catch insects mid-flight demonstrate exceptional manoeuvrability.

Strength 45

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst relatively small (16-20cm), they possess sufficient strength to defend territories against larger birds and maintain hovering positions whilst feeding. Their strength is proportional to their small size.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Shows remarkable adaptability by thriving in various habitats from coastal heathlands to urban parks. Successfully adapted to human-modified environments whilst maintaining their natural behaviours and can utilise diverse flowering plants for food.

Aggressiveness 75

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Notably territorial during breeding season, fiercely defending their areas against both similar-sized honeyeaters and larger birds. Their aggressive defence of resources and territory is well-documented, particularly during nesting periods.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Demonstrates good endurance through constant foraging activity, consuming up to twice their body weight in nectar daily. Their active lifestyle and ability to maintain territories requires sustained energy output, though they typically remain within defined areas rather than undertaking long migrations.

Diet

The White-cheeked Honeyeater primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native plants, particularly Banksia, Grevillea, and Eucalyptus species. They supplement their diet with insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins.

These birds have been observed catching insects on the wing and gleaning them from foliage during their foraging activities.

Behaviour

White-cheeked Honeyeaters are energetic and agile, often seen darting between flowering plants in search of nectar. They are territorial during the breeding season, fiercely defending their chosen areas against other honeyeaters and even larger birds.

These birds are also known for their acrobatic feeding habits, often hanging upside down to reach nectar in tubular flowers.

Vocalisation

White-cheeked Honeyeaters have a varied vocal repertoire. Their most common call is a sharp, repeated 'chik-chik' or 'check-check', often given while foraging or in flight.

During territorial disputes, they produce a more aggressive, rapid series of harsh chattering sounds. In the breeding season, males may sing a more melodious, warbling song from prominent perches.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs mainly from July to December, with pairs forming strong bonds. White-cheeked Honeyeaters are monogamous during the breeding season, with both partners defending their territory vigorously.

The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using bark strips, grasses, and spider webs, typically placed low in dense shrubs for protection. The nest is lined with soft materials such as plant down or fur.

Usually, two to three pale pink eggs with reddish-brown spots are laid. The female incubates the eggs for about 14 days, and both parents care for the nestlings. Young birds fledge after approximately 14-16 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While the White-cheeked Honeyeater is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to urban development and changes in fire regimes.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving coastal heathlands and managing urban green spaces to maintain suitable habitats for these and other nectar-feeding birds.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but common throughout its range ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for these birds in coastal heathlands and woodlands with abundant flowering plants.
Listen for their distinctive 'chik-chik' call, which they often make while foraging.
Observe flowering Banksia and Grevillea plants, which are favourite feeding spots.
Visit coastal national parks in eastern and southern Australia for the best chances of spotting them.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Family:

Meliphagidae

Average Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Max Lifespan

11.6 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as Goshawks and Sparrowhawks, as well as introduced mammals like cats and foxes. Nest predators may include currawongs, ravens, and snakes.

Did You Know?

White-cheeked Honeyeaters can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar each day.
They play a crucial role in pollination, transferring pollen between flowers as they feed.
These birds have brush-tipped tongues specially adapted for nectar feeding.