Pied Honeyeater
Certhionyx variegatus
EndemicStatus
RareRarity
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Species Description
The Pied Honeyeater is a medium-sized, nomadic bird found throughout Australia’s arid and semi-arid inland regions. Males are easily recognised by their bold black and white colouring, while females have more subdued brown tones. These birds are known for their unpredictable movements, appearing suddenly in large numbers when flowering shrubs are abundant.
Fun Facts
The blue patch below the eye is unique among Australian honeyeaters and helps distinguish this species in the field.
1. Blue skin patch below the eye.
2. Long, curved bill.
3. Males: black and white; females: brown with streaked breast.
These honeyeaters primarily feed on nectar but will also eat insects, fruit, and seeds. Their long, curved bill allows them to access nectar deep within flowers, especially those of emu bush and grevillea. Pied Honeyeaters are highly nomadic, moving in response to rainfall and flowering events. Breeding usually occurs from June to November but may happen at any time following good rains. Both parents build the nest-a deep, saucer-shaped structure bound with spider webs-and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Birds are often seen by themselves or in pairs but may gather in large flocks during peak flowering.
Pied Honeyeaters inhabit shrublands and woodlands dominated by emu bush (Eremophila), grevilleas, and mulga across inland Australia. They are most often found in areas where flowering shrubs are plentiful, particularly after rain. Their presence can be unpredictable, with numbers fluctuating greatly from year to year.
Physical Attributes
Height
17 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds29%
Habitat
No habitat information available
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