Crescent Honeyeater

The Crescent Honeyeater, Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus, is a passerine bird native to the southeastern regions of Australia. It is a member of the Meliphagidae family, known for their nectar-feeding habits. This species is characterized by its dark grey plumage, paler underparts, and distinctive yellow wing-patches. A broad, black crescent, edged in white, adorns the sides of its breast, and the bird exhibits slight sexual dimorphism with females presenting a duller coloration than males. Juvenile birds resemble females, though male nestlings can be identified by their pronounced yellow wing-patches.

Identification Tips

Males are predominantly dark grey with clear yellow wing-patches and a white streak above the eye. Their tail is black with yellow edges, forming yellow panels on the sides. Females are more olive-brown with duller wing-patches and less distinct crescent markings. Both sexes have deep ruby eyes and a long, downcurved black bill. The species can be identified by its size, measuring 14-17 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 16-23 centimeters, and weighing approximately 16 grams.

Habitat

The Crescent Honeyeater favors areas of dense vegetation, including sclerophyll forests, alpine habitats, heathlands, and even parks and gardens. It demonstrates a preference for environments with a thick understory of shrubs and is often found in wet sclerophyll forests with a rich mid-story of native flora.

Distribution

This bird is found in southeastern Australia, with populations scattered across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and eastern South Australia. It is particularly prevalent south of Dharug National Park and east of Bathurst in New South Wales, and across a broad area from the NSW border southwest to Wallan in Victoria.

Behaviour

Crescent Honeyeaters form long-term pairs and exhibit fidelity to their breeding sites, often for several years. They defend their territories, especially during the breeding season, and engage in song flights as part of their mating displays. The species is known for its seasonal migration to lower altitudes during cooler months, with some populations remaining sedentary.

Song & Calls

The male Crescent Honeyeater produces a complex and variable song year-round, which includes a descending whistle and a musical two-note call. The most common contact call is a loud "e-gypt," while the alarm call is a sharp "chip-chip-chip." During breeding, whisper songs are exchanged between the male and the nesting female.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from July to March, with the female constructing a deep, cup-shaped nest using various plant materials. Clutch sizes range from 2 to 3 eggs, which are pale pink with darker splotches. The female incubates the eggs and primarily cares for the young, with fledglings becoming independent within 40 days of egg-laying.

Diet and Feeding

The Crescent Honeyeater feeds on nectar, fruits, and small insects, often foraging among foliage and flowers. It has been observed feeding on the honeydew of insects and gleaning foliage and bark for food. The bird's diet shifts seasonally, with insects predominating during breeding and nectar during winter.

Conservation status

The Crescent Honeyeater is currently listed as of Least Concern for conservation. However, its numbers have shown fluctuations and appear to be in decline due to habitat destruction, bushfires, drought, and predation, particularly by domestic and feral cats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural habitats and mitigating threats from urban expansion.