White-quilled Honeyeaters-Entomyzon albipennis are found in the north of Australia. It is one of the largest of the honeyeaters and a similar size to the Friarbirds, Wattlebirds and Miners. The colours of the White-quilled Honeyeater are also a stand-out feature. It is only in recent years that the White-quilled Honeyeater became a separate species from the Blue-faced Honeyeater. eBird mentioned the changes in August 2017. They are a fairly common bird within their range.
A map showing the range of the White-quilled Honeyeater can be found here. Usually the closest place to Broome that we observe the White-quilled Honeyeater is at Kununurra. It is always worth pulling up in the shade at the Celebrity Tree Park in town to enjoy Lily Creek Lagoon and the birds in the tall trees. There is also a rotunda where you can sit high up overlooking the water and often we find a White-quilled Honeyeater looking for insects on the underside of the structure. The header photo is of a White-quilled Honeyeater doing just that!
The White-quilled Honeyeater then moved to a nearby tree to look for insects. They are very agile and turn upside down to search in among the bark.
White-quilled Honeyeater
The White-quilled Honeyeater can often be observed chasing other smaller birds and is quite the “boss” in the park!
The White-quilled Honeyeaters really can’t be mistaken for any other species. However, if you see the species and you are unfamiliar with it you will describe it as a “blue faced honeyeater”! It all depends where you are now in Australia as to whether it is “blue faced” or “white-quilled”!!
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