The little friarbird, also known as the little leatherhead or yellow-throated friarbird, is the smallest of the friarbirds within the Philemon genus. It is found throughout northern and eastern Australia as well as southern Papua New Guinea. It lives a very prominent life, whereby it can easily be seen chasing other honeyeaters, and also it is very vocal. However, the little friarbird is usually spotted high up in trees, rarely being seen on the ground.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Native to northern and eastern Australia and extending into southern Papua New Guinea. It occupies open forests, woodlands, riparian corridors, and paperbark swamps, and readily uses mangroves and coastal scrub. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes, visiting parks, gardens, and farms with flowering trees. It generally avoids dense rainforest interiors but uses edges and clearings. In Papua New Guinea it is mostly confined to lowland savannas and gallery forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little friarbird is the smallest member of the friarbirds and is often conspicuous for its bold behavior and loud, nasal calls. It frequently chases other honeyeaters from flowering trees and follows seasonal blooms. Unlike some larger friarbirds, it lacks a prominent casque on the bill. It is commonly seen high in the canopy, especially in eucalypt woodlands and along rivers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups and forms loose aggregations at prolific flowering trees. It is assertive and will aggressively defend nectar sources from other honeyeaters. Breeding occurs mainly in spring to summer, with a cup-shaped nest placed high in foliage. Both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal and noisy, producing loud, nasal chattering and repeated, ringing notes. Calls carry well through open woodland and are often given while chasing other birds.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown to olive-brown above with paler, lightly streaked underparts and a subtly yellow-tinged throat. Head shows scant feathering with bare grey facial skin typical of friarbirds. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a clean, uniform appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from eucalypts, melaleucas, grevilleas, banksias, and other flowering plants. Supplements nectar with insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. Also takes lerps, honeydew, and occasional soft fruits such as figs. It follows flowering events and can shift locally to track abundant blooms.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the canopy and midstory of open forests, woodlands, and along rivers. Frequently visits flowering garden trees and orchards and uses mangroves and paperbark swamps when in bloom.
