TopFamily
Meliphagidae
Genus
Lichenostomus
Species
chrysops
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
Honeyeaters depend upon an extensive distribution of mature trees across their migratory regions and are vulnerable to the effects of land clearing, grazing and weed infestations, as their preferred regional woodland habitat is considered an Endangered Ecological Community.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
Within the suburbs, Cats (Felis catus) will attempt to hunt this species. Tall trees are constantly being removed due to possible risks to humans.
Local/Urban Actions
Cats can be kept in specially designed cat enclosures to ensure they do not have the opportunity to injure the Honeyeaters. Joining efforts to restore habitat with a local Landcare group or Greening Australia will help this species to survive into the future.
Common Names
Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Chick-up, Lovebird, Quitchup, Yellow-gaped Honeyeater
Distinguishing Features
The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is a 15-18cm sized bird of grey-brown plumage. It has a broad, bright yellow stripe across the eye, bordered by black. The beak is turned slightly downwards. Young are paler without the stripe.
Survey Techniques
Call and visual identification.
Species Call
A cheerful series of 'chick-up' notes.
Similar Species
There are many different species of honeyeaters in Australia, however the Yellow-faced is distinct due to its slightly larger size and the yellow stripe running across the eye rather than beneath it.
TopDistribution
The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is widespread in eastern and southeastern mainland Australia, from northern Queensland to eastern South Australia.
Country of Origin
Australia
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
Population numbers have steadily fluctuated in past years (COG).
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. They have been known to damage orchard fruits in some regions, however are not formally considered a pest.
LSCCES Population
Population numbers have steadily fluctuated in past years (COG).Local population trend: Highest values were recorded on the eastern slopes of Black Mountain in CSIRO, ANBG, Turner (upslope), BM and BMP.
Associated vegetation community
Forest, woodland and heath areas of mountain or coastal regions and mangroves are all suitable habitats for this honeyeater.
Limiting Resources
The Yellow-faced Honeyeater depends on tall trees on which to migrate through and will avoid suburban areas without suitable mature trees. It also tends to be found only in areas with complex vegetation layers including shrubs, logs and ground cover.
Breeding
The female builds a neat, small cup of grass, back and moss for a nest, in the understorey of forests or in hedges, vines and other garden shrubs. She incubates 2-3 eggs for 14 days, then both parents feed the young for the first 14 days. In the Canberra region, nests are active from mid-October to mid-January. Dependant young are present in January to late February.
Behaviour
Yellow-faced Honeyeaters are busy, active foragers. During migration in autumn, the birds fly through Canberra in noisy flocks of tens of thousands, resting in tall trees on the eastern slopes of Black Mountain. They feed actively with rapid, darting flight.
Functional Group
Food Species
Yellow-faced Honeyeaters forage in the flowers and foliage of tall trees for nectar, pollen, seeds and insects.
Predators
Cats (Felis catus) are known to injure Yellow-faced Honeyeaters.
Interesting Fact
Canberra bird-watchers consider the huge flocks of honeyeaters that return to the Canberra suburbs in April one of the bird highlights of the year.
References - (reader suitability of references, P=Primary teachers, S=Secondary students, T=Tertiary students and researchers)
Books:Freudenberger, D. 2001. Bush for the birds: Biodiversity enhancement guidelines for the Saltshaker Project, Boorowa, NSW. Consultancy report to Greening Australia ACT and SE NSW Inc. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems. Canberra. S, T
Longmore, W. 1991. Honeyeaters and their Allies of Australia. CollinsAngus&Robertson Publishers Australia. NSW. P, S, T
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing. Archerfield. Australia P, S, T
Taws, N. et al. 2001. Bringing Birds Back: A Glovebox Guide for Bird Identification and Habitat Restoration in ACT and SE NSW. Greening Australia ACT and SE NSW Inc. P, S, T
Veerman, P. 2003. Canberra Birds: A report on the first 21 years of the garden bird survey. Philip Veerman and Canberra Ornithologists Group. Canberra. S, T
Internet: Birds in Backyards. 2006. [online]. Available at:http://www.birdsinbackyards.net P, S, T
Canberra Ornithological Group (COG). 2004. Birds of Canberra Gardens. COG and the ACT Department of Urban Services. [online]. Available at:http://garden.canberrabirds.org.au/ P, S, T
Online Publications:ACT Government. 2004. Woodlands for Wildlife: ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy. Action Plan No. 27. Environment ACT, Canberra. [online]. Available at: http://www.environment.act.gov.au/nativeplantsandanimals/threatecspec/woodlandsstrategy S, T
Nix, H. and Cunningham, R. 2006. Birds of the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment, Canberra ACT. Prepared for the Life in the Suburbs project using data from the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment Ecological Survey (LSCCES). Australian National University. Canberra. [online]. Available at: http://www.lifeinthesuburbs.com.au/category.php?id=65 S, T