The crescent honeyeater is a passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to southeastern Australia. A member of the genus Phylidonyris, it is most closely related to the common New Holland honeyeater and the white-cheeked honeyeater. Two subspecies are recognized, with P. p. halmaturinus restricted in range to Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia.
Region
Southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in southeastern mainland Australia and Tasmania, including coastal heaths, wet sclerophyll forests, and montane shrublands. It favors dense understorey with abundant flowering shrubs such as banksias, grevilleas, and bottlebrush. In Tasmania and upland areas, it often breeds in cooler, wetter habitats and moves lower in winter. It also visits parks and gardens where nectar plants are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crescent honeyeater is a lively nectar-feeder often seen visiting banksias, grevilleas, and flowering eucalypts. It undertakes seasonal and altitudinal movements, descending from highlands to milder lowlands in winter, especially in Tasmania. Males can be quite assertive around rich nectar sources, chasing off other honeyeaters. Its bright, tinkling song carries well through wet forests and heath.
Feeding in a Correa shrub
Juvenile male in Tasmania, Australia
Female feeding on nectar
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups, and becomes more gregarious where flowers are abundant. Males defend rich nectar sources vigorously against other birds. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs; both parents feed the young. Breeding occurs mainly in spring–summer, varying with local flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, ringing series of whistles and tinkling phrases interspersed with sharp chacks. Males often sing from semi-exposed perches during the breeding season. Calls can become scolding and harsh when alarmed or defending food.
