Yellow Wattlebird Anthochaera paradoxa

This is the largest of the world’s honeyeaters, a family that are typified by a brush tongue and a diet of nectar, spiders and insects.

Distribution and Habitat

The Yellow Wattlebird is confined to Tasmania (endemic) and is characterised by dangling yellow-orange wattles at the ear. It lives in all but the rainforests to the west. It is grey-brown with white streaks and has a prominent yellow belly patch.

Food & Feeding

This bird is nomadic and feeds on nectar of flowering eucalypt species. It is territorially dominant and expends much of its energy in chasing the smaller honeyeaters from its nectar source. This bird will also feed on spiders and insects attacking the eucalypts.

Breeding

Breeding is from July to January depending upon a rich source of nectar to feed its young ( usually 2 chicks) which, when fully fledged, will sit in the top of a eucalypt and cheep incessantly for food.

Distinguish from the Little Wattlebird. Anthochaera chrysoptera This species lacks the yellow wattles and belly patch.

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