Yellow Wattlebird

Anthochaera paradoxa

The largest honeyeater in Australia boasts distinctive yellow wattles that dangle from its cheeks, creating a unique and eye-catching appearance.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Yellow Wattlebird is Australia's largest honeyeater, characterised by its distinctive yellow wattles hanging from the cheeks. Its plumage is predominantly grey-brown, with a streaked breast and yellow belly. The tail is long with white tips.

Males are larger than females and have more prominent wattles. Juveniles resemble adults but have smaller wattles and less distinct markings. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

Size

Length

37cm to 45cm

Wingspan

55cm to 65cm

Weight

150g to 200g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Yellow Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Yellow Wattlebird can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Yellow Wattlebird can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Yellow Wattlebird can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Yellow Wattlebird is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Yellow Wattlebirds are endemic to Australia, found primarily in Tasmania and parts of southeastern mainland Australia. They inhabit eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and coastal heathlands.

In urban areas, they frequent parks and gardens with native plants. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with some local movements in response to flowering patterns of food plants.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Yellow 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