Anthochaera carnunculata

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Family

Meliphagidae

Genus

Anthochaera

Species

carnunculata

Common Names

Barkingbird, Butcherbird, Gillbird, Gilly Wattler, Mttonbird, Wattlebird, Wattled Honeyeater, What's-o-clock

Distinguishing Features

The Red Wattlebird is among the largest of Australian honeyeaters at 32-36cm in length. Their plumage is deep brownish grey with prominent white streaks and a yellow belly. Its name refers to the distinguishing reddish lobes of skin called 'wattles' on the side of the neck. The face is pale and the tail is long with a white-tip. Young Red Wattlebirds are duller than adults and have a brown, rather than reddish, eye. Their 'wattle' is also very small and pale in colour.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Distinctive but unmusical coughs, a harsh 'yac a yac' and a loud 'chok'.

Similar Species

The Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera) is without the red wattles and yellow underparts, and has chestnut wings. The Red Wattlebird is the same size as the similarly behaving Noisy Friarbird (Philemon citeogulis), however, in flight, the black head of the Friarbird distinguishes the two species.

Distribution

Its range extends throughout the southern areas of the Australian mainland.

Country of Origin

Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Numbers in the ACT have doubled in the last 20 years, probably due to the greater year-round availability of food in the area (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

High numbers were found across most of the catchment, excluding the areas in and around Black Mountain.

Associated vegetation community

They occur naturally in native forests and woodlands of southern Australia and are common in urban parks and gardens.

Limiting Resources

This species is highly water-dependant, with numbers decreasing with distance away from permanent water bodies. They also require tall trees for feeding and breeding.

Breeding

The breeding season runs from July to September in the Canberra region. A breeding cycle lasts for between 10-12 weeks, with some pairs nesting twice a season. The nest is a saucer built in trees from twigs and dry grass, 2-15 metres from the ground. Incubation of the blotchy, creamy pink eggs takes about 15 days. The 2-3 offspring spend 15 days in the nest, with both parents sharing rearing responsibilities.

Behaviour

They are noisy and aggressive in defending their food sources and nesting sites, often dominating over smaller local honeyeaters. This species will travel across its range and moves out of the high country over winter, travelling in large, silent flocks.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

The Red Wattlebird feeds on nectar, which it obtains by probing flowers with its thin curved bill. They are especially drawn to gardens containing banksias, callistemon or grevilleas. Some insects are also eaten, taken either from foliage or caught in mid-air. They will also feed on soft, suburban grown fruits like peaches and plums.

Predators

The Common Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea )  may visit the nest of the Red Wattlebird, pushing out its young.

Interesting Fact

Historically, humans hunted these birds, as they were known as the 'best eating bird in the bush'.