Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)
Little Friarbird

Little Friarbird

Philemon citreogularis

The Little Friarbird, known scientifically as Philemon citreogularis, is the most diminutive member of its genus. This species, also referred to as the Little Leatherhead or Yellow-throated Friarbird, is a conspicuous presence in its range, often seen energetically pursuing other honeyeaters and is noted for its vocal nature. Despite its active canopy life, it is seldom observed on the ground.

Identification Tips

Adult Little Friarbirds measure between 25 to 30 centimeters in length, with an average weight of 67 grams. Males are generally larger than females, though they are similar in appearance. This species lacks the casque—a distinctive ridge on the beak—seen in other friarbirds. Notable features include the bare blue skin beneath the eye, which extends over the cheek and can vary in shade from grey to black. Dark feathers frame this patch of skin. The plumage is a dark grey-brown on top, with a dull white fringe on the nape that extends to a broad patch on the side of the neck. Under the chin, fine silky white feathers lead to silvery white streaks down the breast, transitioning to pale grey on the underbody. The bird's bill is black and curved, the eyes dark brown, and the legs bluish black. In flight, the Little Friarbird exhibits shallow, quivering wing-beats, and its tail is square-cut with pale tips on the feathers.

Juveniles

Juvenile Little Friarbirds present a paler facade, with lighter facial skin and a yellowish wash on the chin, throat, and sometimes upper breast. Yellow spots may adorn the sides of the breast. Their tails are less distinctly square-cut compared to adults.

Voice

The Little Friarbird's call is a distinctive, liquid mellow "gee-wit" or "chewip," which becomes an extended series of chattering scoldings during the breeding season. A common vocal sequence resembles "rackety-crookshank."

Diet

This species is often seen feeding alone, in pairs, or small flocks, usually high in the trees. It rarely descends to the ground, preferring to feed on nectar, blossoms, fruit, invertebrates, and occasionally flowers and seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

The Little Friarbird is predominantly found in northern Australia, with seasonal migrations to the southeast. Its range extends from Western Australia's Broome area through the Kimberleys and into the Northern Territory, across most of Queensland, and into the southeast, including New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. It also inhabits southern Papua New Guinea and adjacent islands. Preferred habitats include swamp woodlands, mangroves, shrub communities, open forests, and woodlands, particularly those dominated by Eucalyptus. They are also found in orchards, vineyards, and gardens during flowering seasons and may venture into arid zones near water bodies.

Breeding

Breeding pairs of Little Friarbirds are monogamous. Nesting occurs from July to February, with nests being open cups made of various materials, including bark fiber and spider webs, often built over water. Clutches typically contain 2 to 3 eggs, which are chestnut-colored or spotted purplish-red. Females incubate the eggs, and up to two broods may be raised in a season. The species is known to be parasitized by the Common Koel during breeding.

Conservation Status

The Little Friarbird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Little Friarbirds on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Honeyeaters

A photo of a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis)

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater

Acanthagenys rufogularis
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Bryan C
Clean and easy to use
Really enjoying this app, it's clean and easy to use. I love the ease of being able to add those one-off birds without starting a whole checklist. I also like the social aspect, like the parts of my Facebook I like, without the ads and junk, just birds. Can't wait to see it become more populated.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.