White-plumed Honeyeater on a branch.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
White-plumed Honeyeater.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
White-plumed Honeyeater.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Lichenostomus penicillatus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
White-plumed Honeyeater
Scientific name: Lichenostomus penicillatus
Family: Meliphagidae
Order: Passeriformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Honeyeaters
What does it look like?
Description
The White-plumed Honeyeater is a medium-sized honeyeater with a slightly down-curved bill. It is yellowish-olive to grey above, pale brown-grey below, with a yellowish head and a distinctive white neck-plume, giving the bird its name. The males are slightly larger but the sexes are otherwise similar. Young are duller, with much less distinct plumes and a paler bill. Usually gregarious and seen constantly moving from tree to tree with rapid darting movements.
Similar species
The only honeyeater with a white neck-plume, the White-plumed Honeyeater may only be confused at a distance with other similarly sized plumed Lichenostomus honeyeaters such as the Yellow-plumed, Yellow-tinted, Fuscous and Grey-fronted Honeyeaters.
Where does it live?
Distribution
Endemic to mainland Australia, the White-plumed Honeyeater is found found everywhere except in the tropical north, Cape York Peninsula and the most arid areas. Originally a 'straggler' to Sydney until the 1940s, it is now very common and well-established, and has also expanded its range into the upper Hunter Valley all the way to Newcastle, New South Wales. It may also be extending its range into south-western Western Australia, but this is yet to be confirmed.
Habitat
The White-plumed Honeyeater is found in open forests and woodlands, often near water and wetlands. It is scarce or absent in arid regions unless water artificially supplied (e.g. water troughs for stock). Its overall distribution is linked to River Red Gums. It is also found in remnant bushland in urban areas, as well as parks and gardens.
Seasonal movements
Seasonal migration from ranges to lower areas in winter.
What does it do?
Feeding
The White-plumed Honeyeater feeds very actively from leaves and flowers in the crowns of trees and in shrubs between 5 m and 13 m from the ground. Its main foods are nectar, insects (and their products such as lerps and honeydew), manna and fruit, with some seeds. Very strongly associated with River Red Gums. They sometimes also feed in the air or forage upon the ground.
Breeding
During the breeding season, male White-plumed Honeyeaters make several 'Song Flights' throughout the day above the treetops (10 m – 20 m above ground) while singing a special song, before diving steeply into nearby tree. Females build a small cup-shaped nest in the crown of a tree from 1 m to 20 m off the ground. It is woven from grass and spider web and lined with wool, hair or feathers. Females incubate the eggs but both parents feed the young, sometimes with the assistance of helpers. Two to three clutches are laid each year.
Living with us
Living with humans
The removal of trees along creeks has a negative impact on the White-plumed Honeyeater in its natural habitat, but it is very adaptable to urban environments. Cats and dogs are common threats. It has also been known to damage soft fruit in orchards.
References
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 5 (Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Longmore, N.W. 1991. The Honeyeaters and their Allies of Australia. Angus and Robertson and The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.