The brown-headed honeyeater is a species of passerine bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Australia. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation.
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Found across temperate southern Australia, including Tasmania, in eucalypt forests, open woodlands, mallee, and heathy scrub. It frequents edges, riparian corridors, and regrowth, and will use shelterbelts and larger parks with mature eucalypts. The species avoids dense rainforests and the most arid interior. It typically forages in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to shrubs when flowering is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small honeyeater often forages in mixed-species flocks, especially with other Melithreptus honeyeaters and small insectivores. It gleans insects, lerps, and nectar high in eucalypt canopies, helping control sap-sucking insects. Pairs build a neat, suspended cup nest and both parents share feeding duties.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in small groups and often associates with mixed-species feeding flocks. Pairs form during the breeding season and defend small territories around nest sites. The nest is a small, neat cup suspended in foliage, with both adults incubating and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of high, tinkling notes and soft twittering calls used to keep contact within flocks. Also gives sharp scolding chips when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting brown head and a pale whitish throat and underparts washed olive on the flanks.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowering eucalypts and other native shrubs, and gleans insects and spiders from leaves and bark. Frequently feeds on psyllids and their sugary lerps. Will also sip plant exudates and occasionally small fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of eucalypt woodland and forest. Uses flowering trees, edges, and riparian zones, and may visit gardens with mature native trees.
