Yellow-spotted Honeyeater

The Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, known scientifically as Meliphaga notata and colloquially as the lesser lewin, is a bird adorned with an olive, brown, and gray plumage. A distinctive yellow patch located behind the eyes gives this species its common name. The bird's weight fluctuates between 23 to 30 grams, and it boasts a wingspan of approximately 8 to 9 centimeters.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its olive-brown upperparts and olive-gray underparts, with brighter yellow accents on the head. It possesses brown legs, feet, and eyes, and its beak is also brown. Males typically weigh between 24 to 29.5 grams, while females range from 23.5 to 30 grams.

Habitat

The Yellow-spotted Honeyeater is endemic to the tropical rainforests of North Queensland, Australia, and can be found from Mackay to the northern Cape York Peninsula. It thrives at elevations above 200 meters and has been observed up to 1,200 meters, although sightings above 500 meters are rare. This bird is also known to frequent suburban areas with ample tree cover and cities that incorporate local plants in their landscaping.

Distribution

This bird is a resident of extreme northeastern Australia and has historically been noted in New Guinea. Its range extends over 110,000 square kilometers.

Behaviour

The Yellow-spotted Honeyeater emits a loud, metallic call, described as a "rattling song" with "ee-yeu" repetitions or likened to a "machine gun rattle." It feeds on insects, nectar, and fruit, often perching with its body partially horizontal. Known for its aggressive nature, this bird is typically solitary or found in small groups and does not migrate.

Song & Calls

Its vocalizations are characterized by a high-pitched, metallic quality, with a series of four to five "ee-yeu" repetitions forming a rattling song.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from August to January. The cup-shaped nest, secured at three points, is constructed from interwoven bark and light plant material, often situated in bushes or trees. Eggs are typically laid in pairs, sometimes threes, and are white with purple or brown patches at the top. Incubation lasts about two weeks, with fledglings leaving the nest shortly thereafter.

Similar Species

The Yellow-spotted Honeyeater coexists with the Graceful Honeyeater, which may be encountered in similar habitats.

Diet and Feeding

This bird's diet consists of insects, nectar, and fruit, which it forages for in its rainforest habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Yellow-spotted Honeyeater as Least Concern, with a stable population trend.