Regent Honeyeaters

The Regent Honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia, is an endangered bird endemic to Australia. It feeds on nectar and insects within eucalyptus forests.

Recent genetic research suggests it is closely related to the wattlebirds.

Distribution / Habitat

The Regent Honeyeater was once common in wooded areas eastern Australia, especially along the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

Regent Honeyeater

It once could be found as far west as Adelaide, but is now gone from South Australia and western Victoria. Its population is now scattered, and the only breeding habitat is in north-eastern Victoria and the central coast of New South Wales.

Behavior

This Honeyeater exhibits unusual behaviour, especially during the winters.

Some individuals associate with and then mimic the calls of wattlebirds and friarbirds. Although many birds use vocal copying behaviour, no other bird species is known to use vocal mimicry of close relatives in this way. See Veerman, P.A. 1992 and 1994 Australian Bird Watcher.

Diet

These honeyeaters feed on nectar and insects.

Regent Honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia
Regent Honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia
Photo of author

Team Beauty of Birds

Beautyofbirds.com's team of experts includes veterinarians, biologists, environmentalists and active bird watchers. All put together, we have over half a century of experience in the birding space.

You can meet our team here.