General Description
Medium-sized honeyeater with a fairly long bill that is curved slightly downward. Upperside grey-brown, off-white streaked with brown below, bold black mask extending from bill, across eyes and ears to the shoulder, bordered yellow on the bottom edge. Length 19 cm and wingspan to 25 cm.
Biology
Feeds on insects, spiders, fruit and nectar and forages at lower levels than other honeyeaters. They are argumentative birds and will chase other birds from food sources, including birds that are larger than themselves. Its call is full, clear, loud and can be very varied, which can confuse even experienced observers. The song given mainly at dawn is described as pleasing, merry, melodious and musical, while their daytime calls are generally short and not song-like, so the common name 'Singing' is not very apt.
Distribution
Across Australia.
Habitat
Shrublands, woodlands and other open wooded areas, especially those dominated by Acacia.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Medium honeyeater, curved bill, grey-brown above, off-white streaked with brown below. Bold black mask bordered with yellow below.
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Colours
Brown, Grey, Black, Yellow
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Maximum Size
19 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Omnivore
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Diet Categories
Invertebrates, Nectar, Fruit
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
CITES: Not listed, FFG Threatened List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Least Concern
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Taxon Name
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Common Name
Singing Honeyeater
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
virescens