Yellow Wattlebird

Anthochaera paradoxa kingi

Length: 37-45 cm

Identification: Australia’s largest honeyeater. Greyish with prominent dark streaks on underbody; diagnostic long, pendulous yellow-orange wattles, bright yellow belly and long tail, tipped white.

Habits: Singles, pairs, flocks. Harsh voice. Forages for mostly nectar but also fruit and invertebrates in eucalypt forests, scrub and heathlands.

Habitat: King Island blue gum forests and woodlands with white gum and Brooker’s gum; King Island scrub and heath with banksia; homestead and urban gardens. Nests in forks of trees and tall shrubs.

Range and Status: Widespread, particularly in the east and south. Uncommon by the 1960’s following extensive wildfires and clearance of forests for agriculture, especially in the first half of the 20th century. Probably more widespread in the last 40 years of the 20th century as a result of maturation of regrowth eucalypts and protection of native vegetation. Population recovery threatened by projected clearance of scrub and heath and uncontrolled wildfires. Uncommon breeding resident and endemic subspecies.

Conservation status: Vulnerable on basis of population size and habitat occupied (3).

Special Management: Monitor population size and distribution. Protect and enlarge remnant bush, especially eucalypt forests and woodlands

Last Updated on 26 August 2021