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White-cheeked Honeyeater

Did you know?

Although very similar In appearance, there is not much competition between White-cheeked and New Holland Honeyeaters, as they choose different perching sites and have different nesting seasons.

Calls
Loud clear double whistle, and a brief 'e-chip'. Loud chattering and squabbling in groups, as well as rasping alarm calls. Also snaps bill during chases.
Facts and Figures
Research Species: 
No
Minimum Size: 
16cm
Maximum Size: 
19cm
Average size: 
18cm
Average weight: 
20g
Breeding season: 
All months, usually coincides with nectar availability
Clutch Size: 
One to three, usually two.
Incubation: 
15 days
Nestling Period: 
15 days
Conservation Status
Federal: 
Secure
NSW: 
Secure
NT: 
Not present
QLD: 
Secure
SA: 
Not present
TAS: 
Not present
VIC: 
Not present
WA: 
Secure
Basic Information
Scientific Name: 
Phylidonyris niger
Featured bird groups: 
Honeyeaters
Atlas Number: 
632
What does it look like?
Description: 

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is a medium-sized black and white honeyeater, with a long, sturdy bill that curves downwards. It has large bright yellow tail and wing panels, with a large conspicuous white cheek patch on a mainly black head. The eye is dark brown. Young birds are duller (brownish) and paler with softer, fluffier plumage. Gregarious, active and noisy with swift, erratic flight.

Similar species: 

The New Holland Honeyeater, Phylidonyris novaehollandiae, is very similar in size, shape and appearance, but can be distinguished by its white eye. Other black and white honeyeaters are much smaller, including the Crescent (P. pyrrhoptera), Tawny-crowned (P. melanops) and White-fronted Honeyeaters (P. albifrons).

Where does it live?
Distribution: 

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is endemic to eastern and south-western Australia, ranging from east of the Great Divide in Queensland through coastal New South Wales, becoming scattered south to Jervis Bay. Also in south-western Western Australia and from Perth northwards to Murchison River.

Habitat: 

The White-cheeked Honeyeater is usually found in moist heathlands, as well as around wetlands and in forests or woodlands with a heath understorey. Found in both temperate and subtropical zones.

Seasonal movements: 

Mostly resident or sedentary, with some seasonal movement at edge of range.

What does it do?
Feeding: 

White-cheeked Honeyeaters feed mainly at flowers, in foliage, on bark or in the air and mainly eat nectar, but also insects. They often feed in small groups and may feed beside New Holland Honeyeater groups.

Breeding: 

White-cheeked Honeyeaters pair monogamously for the breeding season, with males defending breeding territories that can be held for several years. Males aggressively attack other birds of their own and other species during the breeding season, but not familiar birds such as their own mates, relatives and resident neighbours. There is not much competition between White-cheeked and New Holland Honeyeaters, as they choose different perching sites and have different nesting seasons. The female builds a cup-shaped nest from twigs, bark, and other plant materials, lined with pieces of flowers (e.g. Banksias, Isopogons). The nest is placed low in forked branches of trees or shrubs, often close to the ground, but well-concealed in dense foliage or in grass below shrubs and ferns. Both parents feed young.

Living with us

Found in parks, gardens and flowering street trees throughout range. Sometimes killed by cats.

References: 
Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 5 {(Tyrant-flycatchers} to Chats).
The Honeyeaters and their Allies of Australia
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