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Red Wattlebird

(Anthochaera carunculata)
Alternative names: "Gillbird", "Wattled Honeyeater", "Mutton-bird"
Size: 32-36 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Red Wattlebirds populate a wide coastal fringe around the southern half of the Australian continent, from about Geraldton, WA, to Brisbane, QLD. Nominate race "carunculata" is found along the east coast of NSW, the south coast of VIC and the Great Dividing Range, including the southern Alps. The transition to the second continental race "woodwardi" occurs near the VIC/SA border. Race "woodwardi" is found throughout southern SA and WA. In years with good inland rainfall, both continental races can extend their ranges further inland, into the semi-arid interior. Race "clelandi" is found only on Kangaroo Island, SA.

Red Wattlebirds can be found in the tree crowns in various types of forest, usually with flowering trees, up to relatively high altitude (observed by us at 1500 m). They adapt quite well to the presence of humans and will enter urban parks and gardens.

Sightings

Red Wattlebirds are a rare sight west of the Great Dividing Range. Until 2005 we had not seen one in the Narrabri area. However, we spotted a few while on tour to the north-east of NSW, near Dorrigo and Wollomombi Falls. In October 2005 finally we heard them cackling, and then spotted them, at Sawn Rocks, Mt. Kaputar National Park.

Spotted semi-regularly in the hills of the Great Dividing Range, even through the winters if not too severe. Spotted as far west as the western foothills of the Nandewar Range, 20 km east of Narrabri.

Also seen by us in Girraween National Park, southern QLD, in July 2009. This location is close to the northern edge of the species' habitat.

Found in abundance along the NSW coast, e.g. in the area from Urunga Heads to Hat Head in January 2011.

Photos

Race "carunculata"

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Frontal view of a Red Wattlebird in a eucalypt tree

Lateral view of a Red Wattlebird

Near-dorsal view of a Red Wattlebird

Dorsal view from straight behind

The same bird as above, now with its head turned

Here a bird issuing its distinctive raucous call

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Territorial/communal Mobility: Partly migratory/dispersive Elementary unit: Pair/flock

Red Wattlebirds can become tame enough to visit people's gardens and beg for food. They are territorial, but can feed in areas with flowering trees in large numbers.

Red Wattlebird begging for food

Food

To the best of our knowledge Red Wattlebirds feed exclusively on nectar. They profit from the creation of urban gardens and parks with flowering plants.

Collage of views of a Red Wattlebird feeding in a eucalypt tree

The Red Wattlebird above is feeding on eucalypt flowers (citriodora) as displayed here

This bird still has a "sticky beak"