Hornbill Friarbird

The Helmeted Friarbird, Philemon buceroides, is a member of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. This species exhibits a dark gray visage, with striking red eyes that captivate the observer. The plumage is a muted gray-brown, which gracefully transitions to a paler white towards the chest. The chest, adorned with spots, darkens as it nears the feet. Males, larger than females, weigh between 127 to 179 grams and can reach up to 38 centimeters in length, making them the largest of the four Australian subspecies.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Helmeted Friarbird, look for the characteristic 'helmet'—a bare, knob-like structure on the crown. The bird's overall gray-brown coloration and the spotted chest that darkens towards the feet are also key features. The red eyes are a distinctive mark, and the size difference between males and females may be noticeable, with males being significantly larger.

Habitat

The Helmeted Friarbird is found in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, lowland forests, and mangrove forests. They exhibit a preference for nesting near water bodies and typically choose lofty tree heights to ensure safety from potential threats.

Distribution

This species is predominantly found along the Northern Territory coasts of Australia and in parts of Indonesia. The distribution may vary slightly among the subspecies, each adapting to their specific regional habitats.

Behaviour

The Helmeted Friarbird is known for its loud and distinctive vocalizations, which include a variety of "squawks" that can be heard from a distance. Their calls, which sound like "keeyo-keoway" or "kowee ko keeyo," can be repeated numerous times, and they also emit a "kurr-rk" sound. These vocal displays are most prominent in the morning and during stormy weather, with quieter periods throughout the rest of the day. Males and females have only subtle differences in their calls.

Song & Calls

The Helmeted Friarbird's calls are a defining characteristic, with the "keeyo-keoway" and "kowee ko keeyo" being particularly distinctive. The "kurr-rk" call is also part of their vocal repertoire, often repeated slowly several times.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Helmeted Friarbird typically spans from September to February, with some variation. They lay clutches of 2-4 eggs, and occasionally up to 5. The incubation period is relatively short, lasting only 15-18 days.

Diet and Feeding

A versatile feeder, the Helmeted Friarbird's diet consists mainly of nectar, fruits, and seeds. They will also consume invertebrates and, on rare occasions, small lizards. The specifics of their diet can change depending on their geographical location.

Conservation status

Currently, the Helmeted Friarbird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, there is a concern that the population may decrease by 10% over the next decade, potentially leading to a vulnerable status. With a lifespan of 5-7 years, the species faces the risk of a significant decline with each passing generation.