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.
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.
