Tawny-crowned Honeyeater

The Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, a member of the Meliphagidae family, is a passerine bird with a distinctive appearance. It is characterized by a tawny crown, which sits regally above a white line that demarcates the black facial markings. The upper parts of the bird are a pale brown, while the underparts transition to a pristine white. This species is equipped with a long, curved bill, perfectly adapted for delving into flowers to extract nectar.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, look for its unique tawny crown and the contrasting white line below it. The bird's face is marked with black, and its bill is long and curved, an adaptation for nectar feeding. The upper body is pale brown, and the underparts are white, which may assist in distinguishing it from similar species.

Habitat

The Tawny-crowned Honeyeater is typically found in low shrubland and heath, environments that provide ample flowering plants for feeding.

Distribution

This bird is native to southern Australia, with its range extending from the North Coast of New South Wales through to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, and including Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of southwest Western Australia.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Tawny-crowned Honeyeater spans from June to December. The nest is a bulky, cup-shaped structure composed of bark, grass, and sometimes seaweed, and is lined with softer materials like fur or wool. It is well-concealed among shrubby vegetation. Clutches typically consist of two to three eggs, though occasionally four. The eggs are beige with buff or pink-tinged splotches and measure approximately 21 x 14 mm.

Similar Species

The Tawny-crowned Honeyeater may be confused with the Eastern and Western Spinebills or the Crescent Honeyeater. However, its distinctive tawny crown and feeding behaviour can help differentiate it from these relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Tawny-crowned Honeyeater primarily consists of insects and nectar. Its long, curved bill allows it to reach deep into flowers to access nectar, and it has become a primary pollinator for some plant species. Unusually for honeyeaters, it may also be observed hopping on the ground among plants to forage.