Bird Guide

MacGregor's Honeyeater

Macgregoria pulchra

VulnerableEndemicFruitForestCup nestMedium · 225 g

About the MacGregor's Honeyeater

MacGregor's honeyeater, also known as giant wattled honeyeater, MacGregor's giant honeyeater, MacGregor's bird of paradise, and ochre-winged honeyeater, is a large, black, crow-like bird with large orange-yellow eye-wattles and black-tipped, ochre primary wing feathers endemic to the island of New Guinea. The sexes are similar, with the male being slightly larger than the female. It is the only member of the genus Macgregoria.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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MacGregor's honeyeater is one of the largest members of the honeyeater family. Adult males measure roughly 40 centimetres or 16 inches in length, while females average about 35 to 40 centimetres or 14 to 16 inches. Males typically weigh around 242 to 357 grams (8.5 to 12.6 oz; 0.534 to 0.787 lb) and females slightly less. They are predominantly glossy black with dense, silky plumage and broad, rounded wings. A conspicuous bare, semicircular facial wattle surrounds the eye and varies from yellow-orange to reddish-orange, occasionally deepening in color during courtship activity. Voice: The species produces a variety of whistles, nasal notes, clicks, and wheezy calls. One of the most frequently heard vocalizations is a repeated high-pitched whistled “jeet” note used both as a contact and alarm call. Mechanical wing sounds are especially characteristic. During gliding flight the primaries produce loud ripping, rustling, whirring, or “zipping” noises audible over long distances.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the MacGregor's Honeyeater lives

Regular range

When to see the MacGregor's Honeyeater

Peak activity in July · a winter visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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