Tasmanian Native Hen

Common Name: Crescent Honeyeater

Scientific Name: Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus

Native to: The Crescent Honeyeater is endemic to south-eastern Australia. Endemic means that it is only found in these areas and nowhere else in the world!

What Does it look like: The Crescent Honeyeater is medium-to-small bird with a long down-curved bill and a red-brown eye. Adult males are dark grey and sport broad yellow patches on their wings, a white streak above their eye and a noticeable black crescent stripe on each side of their breast, outlined below with a white line. The rest of their underparts are a pale brown grey to white, with prominent white markings on the tail. Females are smaller and are primarily brown with fainter crescents on each breast side; juveniles lack the crescents. Both juveniles and females have much duller yellow wing patches than the adult male.

Diet and Habitat: They typically inhabit wet forests, often at higher elevations. They tend to move down from high altitudes in colder months. The Crescent Honeyeater feeds on nectar, fruit and insects, mainly foraging in shrubs. It usually feeds in pairs but may be seen feeding in small flocks.

STEM Fun Fact: Crescent Honeyeaters form long-term pair bonds, staying together throughout the year.