Wattlebirds

Wattlebirds (Anthochaera) are members of the Honeyeater family, and native to Australia.

Species of wattlebird include:

Description

Wattlebirds are characterized by their wattles. These are bare fleshy appendages, usually wrinkled and often brightly colored, hanging from the cheeks, neck or throat, and presumably serving for display. The exception is the Little Wattlebird, which lacks wattles.

Some other birds also have wattles, although they are not known by the term “wattlebird”. Examples include the turkey; some vultures; and several species of lapwing. The entire Callaeidae family of New Zealand, comprising the Tieke (also known as the Saddleback), the Kokako, and the extinct Huia, are also known as wattlebirds, but are unrelated to this genus.

See also

Yellow Wattlebird (Anthochaera paradoxa)
Western Wattlebird
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo of author

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

We love to hear from our readers. If you have any questions or if you want to get in touch with us, you can find our contact details on our About Us page.

Leave a Comment