Which wattlebird is that?

It’s always a sign of spring being just around the corner when you hear the raucous calls of wattlebirds. The reason for the carry-on is that they are breeding which coincides with the flowering of grevilleas and bottlebrushes. These large honeyeaters are common across our parks, waterways and backyards. They play an important role in pollinating native plants such as banksias, eucalypts and grevilleas. 

Two species are regularly found around here: the Red Wattlebird and the Little Wattlebird.

Red Wattlebird

The Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) is the larger of the two, growing up to 35 centimetres long. Its plumage is streaky brown and white with a yellow belly patch, and the giveaway feature is the small red ‘wattle’ that dangles from each cheek. In flight, look for white wing patches and a long tail tipped with white.

Red Wattlebirds are bold and noisy (but not as aggressive as the Noisy Miner. Their calls are a mix of harsh “yak-yak” notes and guttural cackles that can sound more like coughing than singing.

Little Wattlebird

The Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera) looks very similar but is slimmer and smaller, about 26–30 centimetres. It lacks the red wattles on the face and has more uniform streaking, with little or no yellow on the belly. The tail is long but without the white tips of its larger cousin.

Its calls are quite different – a metallic “chok” or “yark,” mixed with chuckles and gurgles, often compared to a creaking hinge.

Living with wattlebirds

Although they can be territorial and sometimes chase smaller birds, wattlebirds are important pollinators and part of our unique urban wildlife. Planting a variety of local native (indigenous) plants helps support other bird species too.

Did you know?

Wattlebirds get their name from the small, fleshy flaps of skin called wattles that hang from their faces. The name has nothing to do with the yellow flowering wattle plants (Acacia sp.). 

Written by Jen Willis