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Photo by bazz
Photo taken: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Photo by Gary Clark
Location: Maroubra, New South Wales, Australia

Anthochaera carunculata

[edit] Identification

These birds have highly developed brush-tipped tongues adapted for nectar feeding. The tongue is flicked rapidly and repeatedly into a flower, the upper mandible then compressing any liquid out when the bill is closed. It has a fleshy reddish wattle on the side of the neck. The plumage is grey-brown on the body, with prominent white streaks and yellow on the belly. The tail is long with a white-tip and the face is pale. Young Red Wattlebirds are duller than the adult and have a brown eye. The wattle is also very small and pale.

[edit] Distribution

Australia

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Open forest and woodland, near human habitation.

[edit] Behaviour

It makes its nest in a tree and lays 2-3 eggs. As well as nectar, its diet includes insects and fruit.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID