The fuscous honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to eastern Australia, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical dry forests.
Region
Eastern and southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Found from inland Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria into eastern South Australia, chiefly in dry sclerophyll and box–ironbark woodlands. It frequents open forests, mallee, and riparian woodlands with flowering eucalypts and acacias. The species also uses farm edges, shelterbelts, and towns with mature native trees. It is generally absent from dense rainforest and treeless plains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small honeyeater often follows flowering eucalypts, shifting locally as nectar sources change. It readily joins mixed-species flocks and can be conspicuous around blossoming trees. The species tolerates lightly modified landscapes with scattered native trees but declines where woodlands are extensively cleared.
Fuscous honeyeater nest
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups and joins mixed-species flocks, especially around flowering trees. Breeds in monogamous pairs that build a small cup nest suspended in foliage. May form loose colonies where resources are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, tinkling phrases interspersed with chatters and short trills. Contact calls are sharp chips given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Dull grey-brown to olive-brown above with paler, slightly streaked underparts and a faint yellow wash on the wing edges and undertail. The head shows a subtle dusky mask and a slightly paler throat. Overall appearance is plain and fuscous, with fine, smooth-textured plumage.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar from eucalypts, acacias, and mistletoes, probing flowers with its slender bill. It also gleans insects and spiders from foliage and bark, adding protein to its diet. Lerps and honeydew are consumed when available, and it may take small fruits opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and mid-storey of open woodlands, especially eucalypt-dominated stands. Also exploits flowering street trees, orchards, and shelterbelts in agricultural landscapes.
