White-eared Honeyeater

1. Bright white ear patch set against a black face and throat

2. Grey crown contrasting with a bright olive-green body

3. Black facial mask extending down to the upper breast

White-eared Honeyeaters are primarily insectivorous, foraging for insects and spiders by probing under loose, peeling bark and in crevices of eucalypts, but they also consume nectar, fruit, honeydew, lerp, and manna when available. Their foraging behaviour is highly specialised, focusing on rough-barked trees. Breeding occurs mostly from July to March, with nests built low in shrubs or small trees. The cup-shaped nests are thick-walled and lined with fur or hair, which the birds famously collect from live mammals, including humans. Both parents care for the young, and nests may be parasitised by cuckoos. The species is usually solitary or found in small family groups and is known for its loud, metallic “chew-chew” or “tchew-tchew” calls

White-eared Honeyeaters are widespread in mainland eastern and southern Australia, from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, with populations also in southern Western Australia. They favour dry eucalypt forests and woodlands with a well-developed understory, but can also be found in heathlands, mallee, shrublands, and occasionally in gardens or orchards in rural areas. They are rarely found in heavily degraded or recently burnt habitats and avoid open agricultural land. Early mornings are the best time to observe them, especially around trees with peeling bark where they search for insects.