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Scarlet Honeyeater

(Myzomela sanguinolenta)
Alternative names: "Sanguineous Honeyeater", "Bloodbird"
Size: 10-11 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Scarlet Honeyeaters live along the Australian east coast, from Cape Melville, QLD, in the north to the NSW/VIC border in the south. They are also found in the eastern parts of the Great Dividing Range, but only occasionally extend their range further west, sometimes well into the plains of the interior (e.g. as far as Walgett, NSW).

Scarlet Honeyeaters are usually found in coastal forest, often high up in the crowns of eucalypts, but also in mangroves.

Sightings

Spotted and identified without doubt in November 2006 on a hike through Dorrigo National Park, northern NSW.

Also spotted in many different locations throughout southern and central QLD, in particular coastal areas, in July 2009. Found as far west as Mt. Walsh National Park, QLD.

Photos

Lateral view of a male Scarlet Honeyeater

Slightly different posture

Mostly staying high up in treetops, at large distances male Scarlet Honeyeaters are easily mistaken for Mistletoebirds.

Unsharp lateral view of a female Scarlet Honeyeater

Here the back of the same female bird as above

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Territorial Mobility: Dispersive Elementary unit: Pair

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.