The yellow-throated honeyeater is a species of passerine bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. It is similar in behaviour and appearance to the white-eared honeyeater and is endemic to Australia's island state of Tasmania. It was formerly considered a pest of orchards.
Region
Tasmania and Bass Strait Islands
Typical Environment
Found across mainland Tasmania and nearby Bass Strait islands such as King and Flinders. Occupies a wide range of habitats, including wet and dry eucalypt forests, coastal scrub, heathlands, and riparian corridors. It readily uses edges and disturbed areas and is a common visitor to suburban gardens and orchards. The species forages from low shrubs to the canopy, following flowering eucalypts and other nectar sources. It is generally widespread and locally abundant wherever suitable flowering plants and insect prey are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Tasmania (including the Bass Strait islands), this honeyeater is often seen in gardens as well as native forests. It was historically viewed as an orchard pest, but it also consumes many insect pests and helps pollinate flowering plants. Its clear, ringing calls carry well through eucalypt woodlands, and it is frequently one of the most conspicuous birds in its range.
A yellow-throated honeyeater taking hair from a live Tasmanian pademelon for nesting material, Melaleuca, Southwest Conservation Area, Tasmania, Australia
Temperament
assertive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Builds a cup-shaped nest in shrubs or trees, typically well concealed. Both parents participate in feeding the young, and adults vigorously defend nest sites from intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, ringing notes and sharp, metallic calls that carry through forest edges. It also gives rapid chattering scolds when alarmed and becomes especially vocal at dawn during the breeding season.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grey head and nape, contrasting with a bright yellow throat and upper breast. Underparts are paler olive to greyish, with cleaner yellow tones at the throat. Plumage is sleek and slightly glossy, with juveniles duller and less vividly yellow.
Diet
Consumes nectar from eucalypts and other flowering shrubs, supplemented heavily with insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes lerp and honeydew when available, and may eat small fruits. This flexible diet allows it to persist in both natural and suburban environments.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from mid-storey to canopy in flowering eucalypts, moving methodically along branches and foliage. Frequently forages in gardens, orchards, and along forest edges, following seasonal blooms and insect flushes.
