- Melithreptus gularis
Includes: Golden-backed Honeyeater
Identification
17 cm. Black cap, white crescent around nape, black centre line down the white throat, small crescent of blue skin above eye, dull olive green back and wings, greyish-brown tail, white underparts, greyish-buff breast, short, black and slightly downcurved bill.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Clements accepts two subspecies:
- M. g. laetior in N Australia
- M. g. gularis in SE Australia
Laetior is sometimes split as Golden-backed Honeyeater.
Habitat
Upper levels of drier open forests or woodlands dominated by box and ironbark eucalypts.
Behaviour
The diet includes insects, nectar and honeydew.
Breeding takes place from June to December. The compact, suspended, cup-shaped nest is placed high in the crown of a tree, in the uppermost lateral branches, hidden by foliage. 2-3 eggs are laid and both parents and occasionally helpers feed the young.
Vocalisation
The call is a ringing, bubbling trill, repeated several times.
