Red Wattlebird

Anthochaera carunculata(Shaw, 1790)

Also known asDjual

Least ConcernEndemic

Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: Meliphagidae
Genus: Anthochaera

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Endemic
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The red wattlebird is a passerine bird native to southern Australia. At 33–37 cm in length, it is the second largest species of Australian honeyeater, after the yellow wattlebird. It has mainly grey-brown plumage, with red eyes, distinctive pinkish-red wattles on either side of the neck, white streaks on the chest and a large bright yellow patch on the lower belly. The sexes are similar in plumage. Juveniles have less prominent wattles and browner eyes. John White described the red wattlebird in 1790. Three subspecies are recognized.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

01
Pinkish-red, fleshy neck wattles
Pendulous, fleshy lobes hanging from below and behind the cheeks.
02
Large, bright yellow belly patch
A bold splash of solid yellow on the lower abdomen.
03
Bold white streaking on dark body
Heavy white streaks on grey-brown head, chest, and back.
04
Bright crimson-red eyes
Striking iris color in adults.

Field specs

Length: 33–37 cm
Weight: 44–163 g
Wingspan: 46 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Watch for highly territorial and aggressive behavior, as they frequently engage in fast, loud chases to drive other birds away from favored trees.

plumage

Look for the namesake fleshy, pinkish-red wattles dangling from the corners of the face, which are most prominent in mature adults.
Identify birds from below by the large patch of bright yellow on the lower belly, which contrasts sharply against the heavily white-streaked breast.

size_and_shape