

Banded Honeyeater
Cissomela pectoralis


Cissomela pectoralis
The Banded Honeyeater (*Cissomela pectoralis*) is a small, black-and-white bird native to the tropical woodlands of northern Australia. It is easily recognised by its bold black breast band set against white underparts, and its contrasting black cap and back. This species is a regular sight in the canopy of northern eucalypt forests and paperbark swamps.
1. Black head and back with a narrow black breast band across white underparts.
2. White face and underparts provide strong contrast with the dark upperparts.
3. Juveniles are browner and have yellowish cheeks.
Banded Honeyeaters primarily feed on nectar from flowering eucalypts, paperbarks, grevilleas, and bauhinias, but will also take insects. They are nomadic, moving in response to flowering events, and can be seen alone, in pairs, or in large groups when food is abundant. Breeding occurs in the dry season, with small cup-shaped nests suspended from branches. Both parents care for the young.
Banded Honeyeaters are found throughout northern Australia, from the Kimberley in Western Australia, across the Top End of the Northern Territory, and into northern Queensland. They inhabit tropical grassy woodlands, open forests, mangroves, and paperbark (*Melaleuca*) swamps. These birds are most active in the tree canopy, especially when eucalypts and paperbarks are in flower, and are often detected by their buzzing calls before they are seen.
13 cm
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