Western wattlebird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western wattlebird |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Illustration of pair by Gould and Richter, 1848 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anthochaera
|
| Species: |
lunulata
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Anthochaera chrysoptera |
|
The western wattlebird (Anthochaera lunulata) is a cool bird that belongs to the honeyeater family, called Meliphagidae. You can only find this bird in the south-western part of Australia.
Contents
What is a Western Wattlebird?
The western wattlebird is a type of passerine bird, which means it's a perching bird. It's part of the large honeyeater family. These birds are known for their long, slender bodies and their love for nectar.
How Was the Western Wattlebird Named?
The first time this bird was officially described was in 1838 by a famous bird expert named John Gould. He studied a bird he found near the Swan River in Western Australia.
When John Gould wrote about it in his book, The Birds of Australia (published in 1848), he called it the "Lunulated Wattle-Bird." People living in Australia at the time often called it the "little wattlebird."
The scientific name for this bird is Anthochaera lunulata. The word lunulata comes from a Latin word, lunula, which means 'little moon'. This refers to the crescent-shaped markings on the bird.
What Does the Western Wattlebird Look Like?
The adult western wattlebird has a unique look. Its upper body is a dark grey-brown color with lighter streaks and spots.
Colors and Markings
- Its forehead, the top of its head (crown), and the back of its neck (nape) are dark brown. These parts also have thin, whitish lines.
- The underside of its body is dark grey with white streaks and tips.
- It has a dark, almost black, streak around its eye.
- One of its most noticeable features is its bright red iris, which is the colored part of its eye.
Size and Weight
The western wattlebird is a fairly large honeyeater. It's long and slender.
- Male western wattlebirds are usually about 29 to 33 centimeters (about 11 to 13 inches) long. They weigh between 65 and 78 grams (about 2.3 to 2.7 ounces).
- Female western wattlebirds are a bit smaller, typically 27 to 30 centimeters (about 10.5 to 12 inches) long. They weigh between 47 and 57 grams (about 1.6 to 2 ounces).
- Overall, these birds can weigh anywhere from 45.5 to 83 grams (about 1.6 to 2.9 ounces).
Where Do Western Wattlebirds Live?
You can find western wattlebirds only in the southwest part of Australia. They prefer areas that get a lot of rain, especially places that used to have many forests and woodlands.
Their Home Range
They live along the coast, stretching from a place called Israelite Bay in the south, all the way north to Geraldton. You can also find them further inland in areas like the Stirling Range, Lake Grace, and Northam.
Gallery
-
In a tree, Perth
-
On a flowering Banksia
