Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
| Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater taken at Gluepot Reserve, South Australia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Meliphagidae |
| Genus: | Acanthagenys Gould, 1838 |
| Species: | A. rufogularis |
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthagenys rufogularis Gould, 1838 |
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The Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis) is the only species in the genus Acanthegenys. It is large, for a honeyeater, ranging from 22 to 27 centimeters and weighing around 52 grams.[2] The birds are sociable, aggressive, and often observed foraging in large flocks.[3]
The honeyeater is mainly frugivorous, but will also eat nectar, blossoms, insects, reptiles, and young birds.[3] Its habitat includes deserts, coastal scrubland, and dry woodlands.[2] It is also found in mangroves and orchards.[3] Its range includes most of Australia except for Tasmania, tropical Northern areas, the Southeastern coast.[4]
The Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater is a grey-brown bird with a burnt orange throat and chest. It has grey wings edged with white, and a long tail with white tips. It has a pink, black-tipped bill.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ BirdLife International (2008). Acanthagenys rufogularis. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 18 February 2009.
- ^ a b "Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater." Featherdal Wildlife Park, Sydney, Australia. Accessed: 18 July 2007. URL: [1]
- ^ a b c d Birds in Backyards: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Australian Museum. 2005. Accessed: 18 July 2007.
- ^ Oz Birds: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Accessed: 18 July 2007. URL
