Gilbert's honeyeater, also known as the Swan River honeyeater or western white-naped honeyeater, is a passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to southwestern Australia. A mid-sized honeyeater, it is olive-green above and white below, with a black head, nape and throat and a white patch over the eye and a white crescent-shaped patch on the nape. The bill is brownish-black and the eyes a dull red. The sexes have similar plumage.
Region
Southwest Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Mediterranean-climate southwest of Western Australia, especially in jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) forests, banksia woodlands, and sheoak and heath mosaics. It also uses edges, creeklines, and well-treed farmland and suburban areas with native flowering trees. The species forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to shrubs when nectar sources are abundant. It is locally nomadic, tracking flowering events across the landscape.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the white-naped honeyeater complex, Gilbert's honeyeater is restricted to southwestern Australia. It follows flowering eucalypts and banksias and is an important pollinator in jarrah–marri forests. Outside breeding, it often joins mixed-species flocks and can visit parks and gardens when native trees are in bloom.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups and joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build a neat cup nest suspended in foliage. Both adults share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, tinkling notes mixed with sharp ‘tchik’ contact calls. Song is a light, chattering series delivered from the canopy and often given during group foraging.
