Regent Honeyeater

Overview

The regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) is a critically endangered bird endemic to southeastern Australia and is commonly considered a flagship species for its range. It is closely related to the wattlebirds, with recent genetic research placing it within the genus Anthochaera.

Identification

• Neck and head are glossy black.
• Breast is covered with contrasting pale yellow speckles.
• Feathers in the tail and wings are black and bright yellow.

Habitat

Once common in wooded areas of eastern Australia, especially along the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range, its range now extends from north-east Victoria up to around the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The population is currently scattered, with most sightings in north-eastern Victoria, the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, and the central coast of New South Wales.

Diet

It feeds primarily on nectar from eucalyptus and mistletoe species, with a lesser reliance on insects and their honeydew. It also consumes both native and cultivated fruit.

Did you know?

Due to the rapid decline of the species, young birds are struggling to learn mating calls as adults disappear, leading to a decline in song complexity and instances where males sing the songs of other species such as the currawong or eastern rosella.