Scarlet Honeyeater

♂ Scarlet Honeyeater, Myzolema sanguinolenta

The Scarlet Honeyeater, or Blood bird, can be found all along the east coast of Australia, but is a summer migrant only south of Sydney. This species lives mainly in woodlands and open forest, especially near wetlands, but can also be found in rainforests and urban areas. The name honeyeater comes from its diet of nectar, fruit, and the occasional insect. Scarlet Honeyeaters exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, similar to Painted Buntings, with vivid red and black males versus dull brown and white females. While both genders call, only the males have the distinct silvery tinkling song. As with other honeyeaters, the Scarlet Honeyeater plays an important role in pollination.

It has been awhile since I last wrote on Australia so this week I'll be focusing on three different bird species.