Melithreptus lunatus

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Family

Meliphagidae

Genus

Melithreptus

Species

lunatus

Common Names

White-naped Honeyeater, Black-cap, Lunulated or Western Lunulated Honeyeater

Distinguishing Features

This is a medium sized honeyeater at 13-15cm with the typical black downward curved bill. Their black head is made distinct by a white nape towards the back of the head and a bright red, crescent shaped patch above the eye. Its back, wings and tail are olive green and its throat and underbelly is white.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A loud, musical  'whert-whert', a husky 'shierk' contact call or a clear whistle.

Similar Species

This is the only honeyeater with the red patch above the eye, however it is very similar to the Black-chinned Honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis) and the White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis). The White-eared Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) is also similar, although it has an olive-green instead of white throat and underparts.

Distribution

This species is found along the eastern coastline of mainland Australia across to Adelaide in SA. A small population is also found around the Perth region in WA.

Country of Origin

Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Population numbers are known to fluctuate; however the species is declining overall (COG). It is considered rare and sensitive (Freudenberger).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Medium numbers were found at ANBG and CSIRO, while a few were sighted at BMt and the ANU.

Associated vegetation community

This species resides in eucalypt forest or woodland. It will make its way into more urban areas containing native plants and with forests nearby.

Limiting Resources

The White-naped Honeyeater prefers to forage for food only in the tallest of eucalypt trees, and is found in areas with layers of vegetation, including thick shrubs, logs and ground cover.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the summer months in communal groups of parents and helpers. The female builds a small, open cup nest in a high tree branch out of grass, bark and a spider web. She incubates the 2-3 light brown eggs for two weeks. The group care for the young in the nest for 15 days, before the process starts again for the second brood. In nesting season, White-eared Honeyeaters are visited by Fan-tailed Cuckoos (Cacomantis flabelliformis), who place an egg in their nest.

Behaviour

The species is almost absent from the Canberra region in the hotter months from November to March, as it migrates into nearby forests to breed. It returns to the city in very high numbers in April, obvious as huge flocks of this species and the Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops ) fly high above the suburbs. However, it is not always easy to spot, as it spends its time feeding in very tall trees.

Functional Group

Nectar-eater

Food Species

The White-naped Honeyeater forages in tall trees and underbark, feeding mostly on nectar, but also on insects and insect products like honeydew and lerp or tree sap (manna).

Predators

Domestic Cats (Felis catus) may attack and injure this species. The hatchling of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis ) will usually push the honeyeater's own eggs out of the nest.

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.