Monday, March 19, 2012

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Juvenile Blue-faced Honeyeater, Entomyzon cyanotis
The Blue-faced Honeyeater is an extraordinarily easy bird to identify if you happen to be near either the eastern or northern coast of Australia as no other bird quite looks like it. While the adults have the namesake blue face, the juveniles such as above are more a yellow-green face. The olive feathering and white underbelly are the distinguishing factors from other birds of similar size if spotted from further away. Contrary to the name, this species also feeds on invertebrates and fruits along with nectar. They have a preference for wetter environments, but can sometimes be seen in urban areas. This species is also sometimes seen in areas with or near Little Friarbirds, either feeding alongside with them or occupying abandoned nests. I mention this as this particular bird was not attacked by the Little Friarbirds living just a few branches away, unlike most other birds who so much as flew meters too close to the nest.

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