White-naped Honeyeater

Scientific name: Melithreptus lunatus

Similar species:
White-throated Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater

Updated

28/07/23
Read time

2 minutes

White-naped honeyeater, Melithreptus lunatus. The White-naped Honeyeater is a small honeyeater with a short, slender bill. It is olive-green above, with a black cap, a white band across the back of the neck which does not reach the eye, and a bright orange crescent above the eye. The flanks and sides of the breast are washed grey brown and the underparts are white. Young birds lack the black cap and the white nape is duller or absent. It can be seen in large flocks when migrating, often with other honeyeaters, and in smaller groups when feeding. Image: Andrew Pavlov
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

IUCN Conservation Status

LEAST CONCERN (LC)
Classification

Genus

Melithreptus

Species

lunatus

Family

Meliphagidae

Order

Passeriformes

Class

Aves
Size Range

13 cm to 15 cm

The White-naped Honeyeater is a small honeyeater with a short, slender bill. It is endemic to eastern and south-eastern mainland Australia, from northern Queensland to eastern South Australia, with a race in south-western Australia.

What do White-naped Honeyeaters look like?

Identification

The White-naped Honeyeater is a small honeyeater with a short, slender bill. It is olive-green above, with a black cap, a white band across the back of the neck which does not reach the eye, and a bright orange crescent above the eye. The flanks and sides of the breast are washed grey brown and the underparts are white. Young birds lack the black cap and the white nape is duller or absent. It can be seen in large flocks when migrating, often with other honeyeaters, and in smaller groups when feeding.

Where do White-naped Honeyeaters live?

Habitat

The White-naped Honeyeater is found in open forests and woodlands, mainly in the temperate zone, and rarely in drier areas. Found in urban gardens, commonly visiting nectar feeders in areas near forests.

Distribution

The White-naped Honeyeater is endemic to eastern and south-eastern mainland Australia, from northern Queensland to eastern South Australia, with a race in south-western Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

What do White-naped Honeyeaters eat and how do they communicate?

Feeding and diet

The White-naped Honeyeater feeds on nectar and insects and their products (e.g. honeydew and lerp), and manna. They tend to forage in the tallest trees, and occasionally under bark, and are rarely seen on the ground.

Communication

Harsh, churring 'shersh-shersh-shersh' and single note whistle, along with alarm and contact calls.

What are White-naped Honeyeaters breeding behaviours and seasonality?

Breeding Behaviour/s

During breeding season, White-naped Honeyeaters breed communally, with both the parents and helpers looking after the young, although only the female incubates the eggs. The female builds a small open cup nest out of grass, bark and spider web, high up in a tree or sapling. At least two broods are raised in a season. The nests can be parasitised by the Fan-tailed and Pallid Cuckoos.

Breeding Season: September to November, but can breed throughout year.