The yellow-plumed honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Australia, where it inhabits temperate forests and Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation.
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Found across semi-arid to temperate parts of southern Australia, especially in mallee and open eucalypt woodlands. It favors river red gum corridors, mallee-heath, and scattered woodland remnants in agricultural landscapes. Birds are common along watercourses and around flowering trees and shrubs. It also uses town parks and farm shelterbelts where native nectar sources are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This honeyeater is endemic to southern Australia and is readily recognized by the narrow yellow 'plume' behind its ear coverts. It often tracks flowering eucalypts and can form loose, noisy foraging groups. By visiting blossoms it acts as an important pollinator and also helps control insects in woodland canopies.
Yellow-plumed honeyeater in eucalypt canopy
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, darting flights between trees
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small, loose groups and may join mixed-species flocks around flowering trees. Pairs build a small cup nest in shrubs or low trees, with both adults feeding the young. Territoriality increases around rich nectar sources, leading to frequent chases and vocal displays.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of clear, ringing notes and tinkling phrases interspersed with soft chatters. Contact calls are sharp and metallic, while alarm calls are harsher and more scolding.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, finely streaked underparts and a neat, sleek feather texture. Face shows a dusky mask offset by a narrow, bright yellow ear-plume curving behind the ear coverts. Wings and tail are olive-brown with subtle yellow edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from flowering eucalypts, mallees, and native shrubs such as banksias and grevilleas. Also takes lerp, honeydew, and a variety of small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark. Will supplement with soft fruits and occasionally sip from saps or exudates when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of eucalypt woodland, mallee-heath, and along river corridors. Frequently visits flowering trees in remnant patches, roadside strips, and town parks.
