Region

Inland eastern Australia

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily from southern Queensland through New South Wales into northern Victoria and eastern South Australia, primarily where mistletoe is abundant. It favors box–ironbark and acacia woodlands, river red gum corridors, and farms with scattered mature trees that host mistletoe. Birds move widely and unpredictably with fruiting events, appearing suddenly and then departing once resources decline. Breeding areas are often associated with dense mistletoe clumps in eucalypt woodlands. In non-breeding periods it may also use mallee edges and open woodland remnants.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 800 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Temperament

secretive and nomadic

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with an undulating flight

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, with small loose groups forming where mistletoe is abundant. Breeds in spring–summer, placing a small cup nest within or near mistletoe clumps in trees. Pairs are attentive, and adults are important dispersers of mistletoe seeds through regurgitation or defecation.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Song is a series of clear, mellow piping whistles, often delivered from an exposed perch near fruiting mistletoe. Calls can be soft and ventriloquial, making birds hard to locate even when nearby.

Diet

Primarily consumes mistletoe berries, swallowing them whole and later dispersing the sticky seeds onto branches. Also supplements its diet with nectar and small arthropods, especially when feeding young. Feeding is focused on trees with heavy mistletoe loads, and individuals may defend productive clumps. Its reliance on mistletoe ties its movements closely to seasonal fruiting patterns.

Preferred Environment

Forages high in the canopy of eucalypts, acacias, and river red gums that host mistletoe. Frequently uses riparian corridors, woodland remnants, and scattered paddock trees.