Bird Guide

Red Wattlebird vs Yellow Wattlebird

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)

Red Wattlebird

Anthochaera carunculata

Medium106 gForest

The sexes of the red wattlebird are similar in size and plumage, the length of the adult male ranging from 33 to 37 centimetres (13 to 15 in) and the adult female from 34 to 37 centimetres (13 to 15 in). With an average weight of 100–120 grams (3.5–4.2 oz), the red wattlebird is one of the largest nectar-feeding birds in the world, and the second largest species of honeyeater native to Australia, eclipsed only by the yellow wattlebird. Voice: Red wattlebirds are noisy animals, producing a range of raucous calls. Pairs of birds appear to duet, particularly at food sources, with the male producing a loud cackle and the female a whistling call. The male's cackle is loudest between 1 and 3 kHz frequency. A guttural-sounding call, it has been variously described as having a squawking, coughing or hiccuping sound.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Red Wattlebird
Recorded by James Ray · Faulconbridge, Blue Mountains City Council, New South Wales, Australia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Elspeth Swan · CC BY 4.0
Yellow Wattlebird (Anthochaera paradoxa)

Yellow Wattlebird

Anthochaera paradoxa

Medium144 gForest

The yellow wattlebird is the largest of the honeyeaters, and is endemic to Tasmania. They are usually 37.5–45 centimetres (14.8–17.7 in) long. Body mass in males averages 168 g (5.9 oz) and in females averages 123 g (4.3 oz), with the largest males weighing up to 260 g (9.2 oz). They are named for the wattles hanging from the cheeks. Yellow wattlebirds are slim birds with a short, strong bill. They have a white face and black-streaked crown. They also have a long, pendulous yellow-orange wattle. The wattle becomes brighter during the breeding season.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Pierre Cartier · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Red Wattlebird and Yellow Wattlebird.