Striated Pardalote

1. Black crown with fine white streaks (except in some western forms)

2. Broad white eyebrow with a yellow spot at the base, transitioning to white behind the eye

3. Bright yellow throat and chin, with a coloured wing spot (red or yellow depending on subspecies)

Striated Pardalotes feed mainly on insects and their larvae, especially psyllids and their sugary lerps, foraging methodically among eucalypt foliage. Breeding occurs from June to January, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick care, and sometimes helpers assisting with feeding. Nests are built in tree hollows or tunnels excavated in earth banks, cliffs, or even artificial cavities. Clutch size is usually 3–5 eggs, with chicks fledging after about 21–25 days. While still common, the loss of mature eucalypts and nesting hollows can impact local populations.

Striated Pardalotes are found across almost all of Australia except the most arid areas, inhabiting any environment with trees or shrubs but favouring eucalypt forests and woodlands. They forage mainly in the upper canopy, making them difficult to spot, but can sometimes be seen feeding lower in shrubs or even on the ground. During breeding season, they are more visible as they fly to and from their nests, which may be in tree hollows, tunnels in banks, or even man-made structures. In autumn and winter, they may join mixed flocks with other small birds, including thornbills.