Females have a gray head with white below the bill and a smaller black patch on the breast.
VIC: Vulnerable
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyHoneyeaters
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatThe female’s underparts are less brilliant—more of a ‘dirty white.’ This species is typically found in small groups in salt marsh habitats across southern Australia.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from September to April.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Romuald Mikusek
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
98912approx records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
The female’s underparts are less brilliant—more of a ‘dirty white.’ This species is typically found in small groups in salt marsh habitats across southern Australia. May also occur in other areas with low, wet vegetation, such as open farmland.
Behavior
Adult males have white underparts and face contrasting with an obvious black neck-band which extends around from the back of the head.
Gallery
Regional timing
Tasmania
New South Wales
South Australia
Western Australia
Victoria
Australian Capital Territory
Queensland
Commonly confused with
Brown-headed HoneyeaterMelithreptus brevirostrisPrimarily gray-brown with olive back and lighter underparts. Eye patch and band leading from the eye to back of the head are cream-colored. Juveniles have pale blue coloration around the eye and a yellow bill. Take care to separate from juvenile White-naped Honeyeater, which lacks the pale half collar around the side of the neck. The plumage of this species varies geographically. Forages in small groups.→Bell MinerManorina melanophrysLives in large colonies where they are aggressive and territorial.→