The white-cheeked honeyeater is a species of honeyeater that inhabits the east coast and the south-west corner of Australia. It has a large white patch on its cheek, brown eyes, and a yellow panel on its wing.
Region
Southwestern and eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Most common in coastal and near-coastal heathlands, banksia woodlands, and tea-tree or paperbark thickets. It also uses eucalypt forest edges, wetlands with dense shrub layers, and urban parks or gardens planted with nectar-rich shrubs. Birds track flowering events, especially of Banksia and Grevillea, and may move locally as blooms shift. The species prefers dense cover for nesting and feeding but readily ventures into open edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This energetic honeyeater is easily recognized by its bold white cheek patch and yellow wing panel. It occurs in two disjunct populations in eastern and southwestern Australia and often follows banksia blooms. It is frequently confused with the New Holland Honeyeater, but the white-cheeked has brown eyes (not white) and a larger cheek patch. Highly vocal and active, it defends rich nectar sources from rivals.
Hasties Swamp National Park
Temperament
active and noisy, often territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly seen in pairs or small groups that defend flowering shrubs against other honeyeaters. Breeding occurs in dense shrubs; the nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider webs. Clutches typically contain 1–3 eggs, and both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are loud, sharp chattering notes interspersed with ringing piped phrases. Song bouts are energetic and repetitive, often delivered while chasing or displaying around flowering shrubs.
Plumage
Bold black-and-white striped head and underparts with a large white cheek patch; wings show a bright yellow panel and the tail has yellow outer edges.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from banksias, grevilleas, melaleucas, and eucalypt blossoms. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. Also takes honeydew and lerps when available, especially during cooler months or low bloom periods.
Preferred Environment
Feeds most often in dense, flowering heath and shrub layers, especially in banksia-dominated habitats. Frequently visits gardens and parks with nectar-rich plantings and also forages along forest edges and swampy thickets.
