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Spotted PardaloteAlternative names: "Diamond-bird", "Ground Dyke", "Diamond Dyke", "Ground Diamond" Size: 8-10 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Spotted Pardalotes are found only in the east, south-east and south-west of the Australian continent. There are three races. The northernmost race, "millitaris", is found on the Atherton Tablelands and and along the range south of the Milaroo River, QLD. Further south, along the south QLD and NSW/VIC coast, ranges and into the inland of NSW and VIC, plus Tasmania, nominate race "punctatus" resides. This race is also found on the south-western tip of WA. In south-western NSW and south-eastern SA, plus an area inland of the south-western tip of WA, race "xanthophyge" is found.
Spotted Pardalotes can be found in eucalypt forests, including dry eucalypt forest and mallee (race "xanthophyge").
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Sightings |
Spotted Pardalotes are seen by us only infrequently, although one can almost always hear them out in the bush. Sometimes spotted in Jack's Creek State Forest, 25 km south of Narrabri, NSW, and also (in 2005 and 2008) in the glacial valley of Rocky Creek, some 70 km north-east of Narrabri.
Frequently seen and heard by us on the fringes of Mt. Kaputar National Park, some 30 km east of Narrabri. Juvenile birds were seen there in January 2009. Together with Striated Pardalotes, in a bunch of about 20-25 birds, Spotted Pardalotes were the first to visit a waterhole before sunrise. Other birds followed later.
Also spotted on a trip to Royal National Park, south of Sydney.
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Photos |
Not the photos you want? Or are you after even better quality? Have a look here.
Frontal view of a male Spotted Pardalote in a tree
;
the bird was extremely curious and came to check out the photographer,
approaching to a distance of less than 2.5 m
View of the underside of the same male Spotted Pardalote
Lateral view of the same male Spotted Pardalote
Similar view, taken in optimal light conditions,
which brings out the brilliance of the bird's colours
The bird was so relaxed that it decided to preen itself -
here an interesting view into the plumage from underneath
Different day, different location, same stroke of luck -
curious male Spotted Pardalote
Near-frontal view of a female Spotted Pardalote
Lateral view of the same bird as above
Pair of Spotted Pardalotes collecting nesting material
Three of a bunch of up to 20 Spotted Pardalotes visiting a
local waterhole prior to sunrise
Frontal view of a juvenile Spotted Pardalote; note the yellow colour of the spots
Lateral view of a juvenile Spotted Pardalote approaching a
waterhole
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Breeding information |
| Breeding season: Sep - Jan | Eggs: 3 - 4 | Incubation period: 14 - 16 days | Fledging age: ca. 21 - 28 days |
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Nest |
| Type: Tunnel with dome basket | Material: Sandy soil, bark strips, grass | Height above ground: N/A |
The nest entrance shown below was dug out of the soft sand lining a gully that is part of a creek which only flooded after extreme rainfall.
Entrance to a Spotted Pardalote's nest
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Eggs |
| Size:16 x 13 mm | Colour: White | Shape: Tapered oval |
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Territorial | Mobility: Sedentary/dispersive | Elementary unit: Pair |
Amongst Spotted Pardalotes, the males are definitely more curious than the females. Only when taking first photos of a female together with a male we noticed that previously we had always seen males that had come to check us out.
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Food |
Spotted Pardalotes forage through the foliage of trees for small insects. They feed mostly on psyllids and lerps.
