Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

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Family

Meliphagidae

Genus

Phylidonyris

Species

novaehollandiae

Common Names

New Holland Honeyeater, Yellow-winged Honeyeater, Long-billed Honeyeater, White-bearded Honeyeater, White-eyed Honeyeater, Fuschiabird

Distinguishing Features

This bird is mostly black and white, with a distinctive large golden wing panel and yellow edged tail feathers. Its face is striking due to its bright white eyes on a black face patch. The females of the species are slightly smaller and the young are browner with a grey eye.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Abrupt, metallic and piercing 'tjik! chwik!' and some chattering notes.

Similar Species

The White-cheeked Honeyeater (Phylidonyris nigra) is very similar, except its eye is black instead of white and it has a large white patch on its cheek. The two species regularly occur together.The White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus ) is smaller and has different markings, but could be confused from a distance.

Distribution

This species is found in Australia's southern areas, from Brisbane, QLD to just north of Perth, WA.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Highest numbers are found in the Australian National Botanic Gardens and along the Murrumbidgee river corridor. Overall, population numbers vary significantly from year to year (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. Numbers appear to be declining in the north or their range.

LSCCES Population

Due to this species love of native shrubs, very high numbers were found at the ANBG. A high number were also found at CSIRO, and lower numbers on the ANU campus and in suburban Turner.

Associated vegetation community

This species is found in greatest numbers in coastal heath. Any forest or woodland with a good native shrub layer is also favourable. Flowering shrubs are common in the urban gardens and therefore can provide a suitable habitat.

Limiting Resources

The New Holland Honeyeaters depend on a good source of high every nectars and fruits, preferably from native plants.

Breeding

The New Holland Honeyeaters build a cup shaped nest of bark and grasses that is bound with spider web. Nests sit in low tree branches or shrubs and the 2-3 fawn speckled eggs need 18 days of incubation. Both parents feed the young for 16 days.  In the Canberra region, the exact timing of the nesting season changes from year to year.

Behaviour

This is a bold and noisy bird, producing sharp calls while flying and flashing their yellow feathers. They are also inquisitive and known to readily approach humans.

Functional Group

Nectar-eater

Food Species

This species actively feeds on nectar from flowering shrubs, particularly Australian native species including grevilleas and banksias. They also need to eat insects and spiders for their protein intake.

Predators

The showy and carefree nature of this species leaves it vulnerable to Cats (Felis catus).

Interesting Fact

This species will breed in any month that nectar plants are in flower, as the adults need the sugary nectar for energy to catch all the insects required to feed the young.