The singing honeyeater is a small bird found in Australia, and is part of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. The bird lives in a wide range of shrubland, woodland, and coastal habitat. It is relatively common and is widespread right across Australia west of the Great Dividing Range, through to the west coast and on Western Australian coastal islands. It does not occur in other countries.
Region
Western and central Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely west of the Great Dividing Range, from coastal heath and mangroves to inland scrub, mulga, and semi-arid shrublands. It also inhabits open woodlands, chenopod plains, and urban parks and gardens. On the coast it frequents dune thickets and saltbush; inland it uses acacia and eucalypt habitats. The species is absent from Australia’s wetter eastern seaboard but is common on many Western Australian coastal islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for its clear, ringing song, the singing honeyeater is adaptable and common across much of arid and coastal western Australia. It readily visits flowering shrubs and gardens and can be assertive around nectar sources. As a frequent visitor to native blossoms, it helps pollinate plants such as eucalypts, banksias, and grevilleas. Despite living in harsh environments, it thrives by mixing nectar, insects, and fruit in its diet.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often defending flowering shrubs aggressively from other honeyeaters. Breeding pairs build a neat cup nest in dense shrubs. Clutches typically contain two to three eggs, and both parents help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, ringing series of melodious whistles delivered in varied phrases. Songs carry well across open habitats and are given from exposed perches; calls include sharp scolds when alarmed.
