The spotted pardalote is a small passerine bird native to eastern and southern Australia, at elevations of up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). It is part of the pardalote family, Pardalotidae. One of the smallest of all Australian birds at 8 to 10 centimetres in length, and one of the most colourful; it is sometimes known as the diamondbird. Although moderately common in all of the reasonably fertile parts of Australia it is seldom seen closely enough to enable identification.
Region
Eastern and Southern Australia, including Tasmania
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in eucalypt forests, woodlands, and riparian corridors, extending into suburban parks and gardens where mature gum trees are present. It prefers foliage-rich canopies of eucalypts where lerps and psyllids are abundant. Nests are usually placed in short tunnels excavated into sloping banks, road cuttings, or garden beds, and occasionally in tree hollows. The species is common in fertile regions but is less frequent in very arid interior zones. Local movements occur between uplands and lowlands outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spotted pardalote, also called the diamondbird, is one of Australia’s smallest and most colorful songbirds. It specializes in feeding on lerps (the sugary coverings of psyllids), making it an important natural controller of leaf pests on eucalypts. Unusually for a small passerine, it often nests in burrows tunneled into earthen banks or garden edges. Pairs are typically monogamous and may return to favored sites year after year.
The reddish rump of the nominate subspecies is clearly visible (Strangways, Victoria).
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often high in the canopy. Monogamous pairs excavate nesting burrows together and line the chamber with fine materials. They defend a small territory around the nest but may occur in loose colonies where habitat is suitable.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, bell-like, two- to three-note tinkling phrase, often rendered as a soft, ringing ‘sleep-may-be’ repeated at intervals. Calls are high-pitched and carry surprisingly far for such a small bird.
