The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is a medium to small, plainly coloured honeyeater with a slightly down-curved bill. It is dark grey-brown above, with some brown streaking on the head, and paler below with lighter streaks. It has a distinctive, broad yellow face-stripe, bordered with black. The males are slightly larger but the sexes are otherwise similar.
Yellow-faced Honeyeater. Photo: Ákos Lumnitzer
Like most honeyeaters their rapid flight and constant movements can make them difficult to identify but with experience it is possible. Learning its call will help: loud, cheerful, series of 'chick-up' notes. Even if you can’t see it you will know it is present.
The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is widespread in eastern and south-eastern mainland Australia, from northern Queensland to eastern South Australia. It is found in open forests and woodlands, often near water and wetlands. It is often found in urban areas, including in remnant bushland, as well as parks and gardens. It is regularly seen in Fred Caterson Reserve.
Did you know? Like some other honeyeaters, this species is partially migratory, with regular movements to and from south-eastern Australia; moving north in autumn and south in spring. When migrating, it can be seen in large flocks, with several thousand birds passing every hour in some places.
Information provided by BirdLife Southern NSW in conjunction with BirdLife Australia's Birds in Backyards Program.
