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Little Wattlebird

(Anthochaera chrysoptera)
Alternative names: "Brush Wattlebird", "Mock Gillbird", "Mocker", "Cookay-cock"
Size: 27-31 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Little Wattlebirds live in the narrow coastal margin along the south and east coast of Australia, from about Adelaide, SA, to Gladstone, QLD. This range is occupied by nominate race "chrysoptera". Race "tasmanica" is found only in Tasmania, on the eastern side and along the north coast of the island. Race "halmaturina" occurs only on Kangaroo Island, SA.

Little Wattlebirds are usually found in coastal woodlands, heath or low scrub, with a strong preference for banksias. They adapt to the presence of humans quite well and will also enter urban parks and gardens.

Sightings

We spotted Little Wattlebirds feeding on banksias at Iluka Bluff, Iluka Nature Reserve, on the NSW north coast, in 2005. Found also in all National Parks and other Conservation Areas along the NSW Central Coast from Myall Lakes to Bouddi National Park in June 2009. Spotted at Hat Head, NSW, in January 2011.

Spotted also by C. Kellenberg at Point Plomer, Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve, NSW, in February 2009.

Photos

Not the photos you want? Or are you after even better quality? Have a look here.

Near-frontal view of a Little Wattlebird; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

Little Wattlebird feasting on the flowers of a grevillea

But first check whether all is safe! First to the right...

... then to the left

Lateral view of a bird feeding on a coastal banksia

Lateral view of a Little Wattlebird

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Territorial/ communal Mobility: Dispersive Elementary unit: Pair/flock

Red Wattlebirds are territorial, but can feed in areas with flowering trees in large numbers.

Food

Like many other honeyeaters, Little Wattlebirds do not exclusively feed on nectar, but use their sticky tongue to take insects too. Also known to take fruit. For gathering nectar, they have a preference for banksia flowers.