White-naped Honeyeater.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
White-naped Honeyeater.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
White-naped Honeyeater, dangling from foliage.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Melithreptus lunatus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
White-naped Honeyeater
Scientific name: Melithreptus lunatus
Family: Meliphagidae
Order: Passeriformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Honeyeaters
What does it look like?
Description
The White-naped Honeyeater is a small honeyeater with a short, slender bill. It is olive-green above, with a black cap, a white band across the back of the neck which does not reach the eye, and a bright orange crescent above the eye. The flanks and sides of the breast are washed grey brown and the underparts are white. Young birds lack the black cap and the white nape is duller or absent. It can be seen in large flocks when migrating, often with other honeyeaters, and in smaller groups when feeding.
Similar species
The White-naped Honeyeater is similar in size and shape to the White-throated Honeyeater, Melithreptus albogularis, which lacks the orange eye crescent and has more white on the throat that reaches the bottom of the bill. Other similar species include the Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis and the Brown-headed Honeyeater, Melithreptus brevirostris, which both also lack the orange around the eye, along with other differences.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The White-naped Honeyeater is endemic to eastern and south-eastern mainland Australia, from northern Queensland to eastern South Australia, with a race in south-western Australia.
Habitat
The White-naped Honeyeater is found in open forests and woodlands, mainly in the temperate zone, and rarely in drier areas. Found in urban gardens, commonly visiting nectar feeders in areas near forests.
Seasonal movements
Partially migratory in south-eastern parts of range.
What does it do?
Feeding
The White-naped Honeyeater feeds on nectar and insects and their products (e.g. honeydew and lerp), and manna. They tend to forage in the tallest trees, and occasionally under bark, and are rarely seen on ground.
Breeding
During breeding season, White-naped Honeyeaters breed communally, with both the parents and helpers looking after the young, although only the female incubates the eggs. The female builds a small open cup nest out of grass, bark and spider web, high up in a tree or sapling. At least two broods are raised in a season. The nests can be parasitised by the Fan-tailed and Pallid Cuckoos.
References
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 5 (Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Longmore, N.W. 1991. The Honeyeaters and their Allies of Australia. Angus and Robertson and The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.