Aussie Finch Forum

I saw a honeyeater while walking my dog a few moments ago, but it looked completely different to any I'd ever seen around the area.

Checked the list of native bird species and couldn't find a match, so I was hoping someone could help me out. Unfortunately it was too quick for me to get a photo.

- About 1/3 the size of a New Holland Honey Eater. Probably Zebra finch sized.
- Mostly cream/white, but with patches of yellow and gold on the body.
- Big white eye ring, like an Agapornis
- Black head, with little white dots. Similar to the front of an Emblema.

Any guesses?

Sounds a bit like a Pardolote rather than a honeyeater.

I agree with Tiaris, sounds like a spotted pardalote. It has an eyebrow rather than an eye ring.

Other options could be silvereye (but doesn't have a back head) or a yellow-rumped thornbill.

Cheers Ian

Thanks, I think you nailed it with spotted pardalote. Never seen one before, and it was darting around a callistemon patch usually packed with honeyeaters, so I assumed that's what it was.

Shane,

Have a good look around for areas that have cliffy type things or riverbanks near creeks. They dig a hole in the ground and make a grass nest underground. They truly are beautiful birds.

Ken.

They truly are beautiful birds.

You're not wrong. Absolutely stunning bird.

Have a good look around for areas that have cliffy type things or riverbanks near creeks. They dig a hole in the ground and make a grass nest underground.

I'll keep an eye out. There is a creek about 200m from where I saw it, but it's home to a few feral cats.

Yes Shane,

Ferals can and are a problem but in saying that I don't think the cats will dig them out. They normally build into a pretty steep face. Any chance you are near a golf course because they like bunkers or the mounds of sand and dirt used for the greens . They get up under the lip of the bunkers. They really don't stray too far from their nest,but in saying that 200 metre s isn't too far. This is your quest for the upcoming spring/breeding season. Please keep us informed, and take the camera!

Ken.

We have a pair of local Striated Pardalotes around home we see every so often.....Really are beautiful birds - I think I remember reading something about someone from SA getting a take from the wild permit to establish them in aviculture.