The black-chinned honeyeater is a species of passerine bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Australia. Two subspecies are recognised. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical dry forests.
Region
Eastern and Northern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in eucalypt-dominated open forests and woodlands, including box–ironbark and river red gum communities. It frequents riparian corridors, lightly timbered farmland with remnant trees, and the edges of dry sclerophyll forests. The species typically forages in the mid to upper canopy and will also use flowering street trees and parks in suitable regions. It is patchy where mature woodland has been cleared but can be locally common where large, old eucalypts remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This honeyeater is often seen high in flowering eucalypts, where it takes nectar and hunts for insects among the foliage. It can be tricky to tell from the white-naped honeyeater, but the black chin patch and a bluish-green facial wattle are key clues. Many populations move locally in response to flowering events, so numbers can vary seasonally at a given site.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Monogamous pairs build a small cup nest suspended from slender branches, and both sexes help feed the young. Breeding peaks in spring to early summer when eucalypts flower heavily.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls include soft, musical warbles and liquid piping notes interspersed with sharper chips. Vocalizations are frequent while foraging in groups and become more insistent during breeding.
Plumage
Olive to yellow-olive upperparts with paler grey-white underparts, a distinct black crown and chin patch, and a narrow pale nape crescent. Feathers are smooth and sleek; the northern form shows a brighter golden-olive mantle. A small bluish-green facial wattle above the eye is conspicuous at close range.
Diet
Takes nectar primarily from flowering eucalypts and related trees, and also consumes insects, spiders, and honeydew. Frequently gleans lerp and other psyllid coverings from leaves. Will supplement with small fruits when available, but protein-rich arthropods are important during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of mature eucalypts, especially along rivers and in remnant woodland patches. Also uses roadside trees, parks, and gardens with suitable native blossoms.
