The rufous-throated honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to northern Australia.
Region
Northern Australia
Typical Environment
Found from the Kimberley region of Western Australia across the Top End of the Northern Territory to the Gulf Country and adjacent northwest Queensland. Prefers riparian and seasonally inundated habitats including paperbark swamps, pandanus thickets, and open woodland near water. Also occurs at edges of monsoon forests and mangroves where flowering trees provide nectar. It favors lowland floodplains, billabongs, and watercourses with dense understory. Local movements follow flowering events and water availability.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active honeyeater of northern Australia, the rufous-throated honeyeater often tracks flowering eucalypts and paperbarks, shifting locally as nectar sources change. It can be confused with the rufous-banded honeyeater, but has a more uniformly rufous throat without a contrasting white band. Pairs or small groups are frequently seen along rivers and floodplains, where they nest low in shrubs or trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, agile among foliage
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in flowering trees. Builds a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or low branches near water. Both parents typically participate in incubation and feeding of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, thin tinkling notes interspersed with rapid chips and trills. Calls are frequent contact notes while foraging, with a sharper scold when alarmed.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown upperparts with paler underparts and a distinct rufous throat patch; fine, smooth feathering typical of honeyeaters.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from eucalypts, melaleucas, and other flowering shrubs, supplemented by small insects and spiders. Gleans arthropods from leaves and bark and occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flying insects. Will take lerp and honeydew when available and may sip from blossoms in small, energetic bouts.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in flowering trees and shrubs along rivers, lagoons, and swamps. Uses mid-canopy to canopy foliage and edges of monsoon forest and mangroves where blossoms are abundant.
