Western Wattlebird

The Western Wattlebird, known scientifically as Anthochaera lunulata, is a passerine bird belonging to the honeyeater family, Meliphagidae. This species is a large and slender honeyeater, exhibiting dark grey-brown upper-parts adorned with pale streaks and spots. The forehead, crown, and nape are a darker brown, finely streaked with whitish shafts. The underparts share the dark grey palette, yet are highlighted with streaks and tips of white. A distinctive blackish-brown streak borders the eye, which houses a red iris, adding a touch of vivid colour to the bird's visage.

Identification Tips

Males of the species typically range from 29 to 33 centimetres in length and weigh between 65 and 78 grams, while females are slightly smaller, measuring 27 to 30 centimetres and weighing 47 to 57 grams. Unsexed birds have a weight range of 45.5 to 83 grams. The red iris and the streaked plumage are key features for identification.

Distribution

The Western Wattlebird is endemic to the south-western region of Australia. Its range extends from the coastal areas of Israelite Bay northwards to Geraldton, and from the inland territories of the Stirling Range to Lake Grace and Northam. This bird is typically found in areas that were once dominated by forest and woodland, particularly in regions with high rainfall.

Similar Species

The Western Wattlebird was once considered a western population of the Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera), due to some authorities citing them as conspecific. However, they are now regarded as separate species due to differences in morphology, plumage, and eye colour.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Western Wattlebird as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population that would warrant a higher degree of conservation action.