The white-naped honeyeater is a passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to eastern Australia. Birds from southwestern Australia have been shown to be a distinct species, Gilbert's honeyeater, and the eastern birds are more closely related to the black-headed honeyeater of Tasmania. One of several similar species of black-headed honeyeaters in the genus Melithreptus, it dwells in dry sclerophyll eucalypt woodland. Its diet consists of nectar from various flowers, and it also feeds on insects.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeast Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria into southeastern South Australia, with vagrants reaching the Murray–Mallee. It favors dry sclerophyll eucalypt woodland, open forest, and heathy edges, especially where flowering gums are abundant. Birds often use riparian corridors and forest edges and will visit suburban parks and gardens when trees are in bloom. Movements can be nomadic or migratory in response to flowering events and seasonal conditions.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small honeyeater is notable for its crisp white nape crescent set against a black cap and a bright red eye-wattle. Eastern populations can form conspicuous migratory flocks that track flowering eucalypts. The former southwestern Australian ‘white-naped’ birds are now recognized as a separate species, Gilbert’s honeyeater. It often joins mixed-species foraging parties high in the canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups and joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs are monogamous during breeding and build a small, suspended cup nest in foliage. They defend a small area around the nest but range widely when feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, metallic ‘tink’ notes and quick chattering sequences. The song is a thin, tinkling series delivered from the canopy, often given in contact as flocks move through trees.
