Red Wattlebird

Description:

The Red Wattlebird, also known as Barkingbird or Gillbird, is the second largest honeyeater in Australia. It belongs to a group of birds found mainly in Australia and New Guinea which have highly developed brush-tipped tongues adapted for nectar feeding. The tongue is flicked rapidly and repeatedly into a flower, the upper mandible then compressing any liquid out when the bill is closed. They can display domineering and often aggressive behaviour towards other birds intruding on their territory.

Habitat:

This specimen was spotted in native bushland in Girraween National Park, near Bald Rock Creek. Close to a picnic area and camping ground, so these birds are fairly accustomed to people, although this one was a bit shy. Here's some park info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girraween_N...

Notes:

I've not seen this species since I moved from Sydney many years ago. I've never seen them in Brisbane, although I may not have been looking hard enough.