About the Red Wattlebird
The red wattlebird is a passerine bird native to southern Australia. At 33–37 cm in length, it is the second largest species of Australian honeyeater, after the yellow wattlebird. It has mainly grey-brown plumage, with red eyes, distinctive pinkish-red wattles on either side of the neck, white streaks on the chest and a large bright yellow patch on the lower belly. The sexes are similar in plumage. Juveniles have less prominent wattles and browner eyes. John White described the red wattlebird in 1790. Three subspecies are recognized.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Red Wattlebird sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Little WattlebirdAnthochaera chrysopteraThe little wattlebird is a medium to large honeyeater, but the smallest wattlebird.
Yellow WattlebirdAnthochaera paradoxaThe yellow wattlebird is the largest of the honeyeaters, and is endemic to Tasmania.
Regent HoneyeaterAnthochaera phrygiaThe neck and head are glossy black.
Side by side: Little Wattlebird vs Red Wattlebird
Learn the Red Wattlebird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.