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Project Noah Nature School
Certhionyx variegatus
Adults just under 20cm, striking black and white marked honeyeater with pale blue patch under eyes. Usually described as a quite, unobtrusive bird, these ones were flying high and singing and swooping as if in breeding mode (out of season Sept to Feb., but said to be variable).. The beak is thin, long and slightly curved, eyes are dark reddish brown, males and females are similar in attributes, although females are more brownish in colour but retain the white markings. The call is very loud and melodious and the aerial display is just as spectacular. Feeds on nectar, insects, berries and fruit.
Found throughout the west and arid regions of Australia in varied habitat such as mallee, spinifex country and woodland. This one found in arid desert country but strategically located near a hot spring or bore with plentiful water and native berries and nectar.
Spotted on Jun 8, 2014
Submitted on Jun 18, 2014
2 Comments
Thanks Mark. I desperately wanted to get some good photos of these birds! Their aerial displays were amazing especially when linked with the calls.
Fantastic little guy. I like the tiny blue patch under his eye. It looks like the females are plainer.