Red-browed Pardalote

The Red-browed Pardalote (Pardalotus rubricatus) is a small, vibrantly colored passerine bird, a native treasure of Australia. This species is a gleaning specialist, adept at foraging primarily in eucalypt trees. The Latin name 'rubricatus' aptly describes the bird's striking orange-red eyebrow, a distinctive feature among its otherwise varied plumage.

Identification Tips

Adult Red-browed Pardalotes are relatively large for their family, with an average length of 105 mm and a wingspan of 60–66 mm. Males and females are similar in weight, around 10.9g and 10.8g respectively. They do not exhibit seasonal changes in plumage and are not sexually dichromatic. Key identification features include a pale iris, a black crown with white spots, a yellow to buff supercilium, and a yellow breast patch with yellow wing panels. Juveniles are generally paler with a duller crown and a dull orange-yellow brow.

Habitat

The Red-browed Pardalote inhabits a wide range of environments, from woodlands and shrublands to tropical and semi-arid regions. They show a preference for eucalypt woodlands near watercourses, such as riparian river red gum and coolibah woodlands, as well as tall eucalypt shrublands like mallee.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across north and central Australia, extending to south and south central Western Australia, northeast South Australia, and southwest New South Wales. They are also found in the Great Sandy, Gibson, and Great Victoria Deserts.

Behaviour

Red-browed Pardalotes are sedentary birds, often seen singly, in pairs, or small groups. They are arboreal, spending much of their time in the foliage of eucalypt trees. Their foraging territories are maintained throughout the year.

Song & Calls

The call is a distinctive five or six note song, with the first note longer and lower pitched, followed by notes that increase in pitch and speed. Males call periodically between feeding to announce their territory from a sheltered perch within the tree canopy.

Breeding

Breeding occurs between July and December, and after rainfall in arid zones. Pairs are monogamous and maintain breeding territories. Both sexes participate in excavating a tunnel and nesting chamber in various locations, including sandy banks and gullies. Nests are constructed from bark and fine grass, and a clutch of up to four white, oval, semi-glossy eggs are laid.

Similar Species

The Red-browed Pardalote can be distinguished from other pardalotes by its larger size, distinctive eyebrow, and the lack of seasonal or sexual variation in its plumage.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of insects and lerps gleaned from leaf surfaces with their 'scoop-shaped' bill. Lerps, the exudates of psyllids, are a major food source, providing sugar and carbohydrates. They also consume various arthropods, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, and vegetable matter.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Red-browed Pardalote as Least Concern. It is common throughout its range, and the population is considered stable.