The noisy friarbird is a passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to southern New Guinea and eastern Australia. It is one of several species known as friarbirds whose heads are bare of feathers. It is brown-grey in colour, with a prominent knob on its bare black-skinned head. It feeds on insects and nectar.
Region
Eastern Australia and southern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern Western Australia’s tropical fringes across northern and eastern Australia down to Victoria, and in the lowlands of southern New Guinea. Prefers open forests, eucalypt woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and coastal scrub. Common in suburban parks and gardens with flowering native trees and shrubs. It is less frequent in dense rainforest but uses clearings and margins. The species can be locally nomadic, tracking nectar resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The noisy friarbird often follows flowering events of eucalypts and other native plants, making it a key seasonal pollinator. Its bare, black head and prominent knob help keep sticky nectar from matting feathers. It is bold and noisy, frequently dominating flowering trees and displacing other nectar-feeders. The species adapts well to parks and gardens where suitable blossoms are available.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs, family groups, or small loose flocks, especially at abundant flowering trees. Monogamous pairs build a deep cup nest of bark and fibers suspended in foliage. They vigorously defend rich nectar sources against other honeyeaters and smaller birds. Breeding typically occurs in spring to early summer, varying with latitude and rainfall.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Loud, varied, and chattering with harsh scolding notes, cackles, and repetitive phrases. Calls carry far and are delivered from exposed perches. Vocalizations often increase around feeding and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Brown-grey upperparts with paler, lightly scalloped underparts and a whitish throat; feathers are plain with subtle streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from eucalypts, grevilleas, banksias, and other flowering plants. Also takes insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. Will consume soft fruits and occasionally sap or honeydew. Follows flowering pulses and may travel widely when blooms are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the canopy and midstory of open forests and woodlands. Readily visits urban gardens with abundant native blossoms and bird-attracting plantings. Often concentrates at a few prolific trees, leading to noisy, competitive feeding.
