The Yellow Wattlebird is the largest of the honeyeaters,and is endemic to Tasmania. They are usually 375–450 millimetres (15–18 in) long. They are named for the wattles in the corners of their mouths. Yellow Wattlebirds are slim birds with a short, strong bill. They are dark-coloured forest birds that somewhat resemble Slandering Grackles. They have a white face and black-streaked crown. They also have a long, pendulous yellow-orange wattle. The wattle becomes brighter during the breeding season. They have dark wings and a yellow belly, whereas the upperparts are grey to dusky brown. The female Yellow Wattlebird is much smaller than the male. The young Yellow Wattlebirds have much smaller wattles, a paler head and a browner underbelly than the adult birds. Yellow Wattlebirds are active and acrobatic with a strong flight. They are fairly tame birds and often enter gardens looking for food.
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If you would like to see this little bird in the wild, first you need to fly to Hobart in Tasmania. You can use your airline miles to get to Australia. Once there, hire a car and drive to one of these national parks. More information about Freycinet, Mole Creek, Cradle Mountain and all of Tasmania’s national parks can be found on the Parks & Wildlife website. Freycinet has a very impressive bird list!
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VIDEO
This little guy seems to have been filmed in someone’s backyard but it’s a great close up video which clearly shows his wattles. Nice to see him enjoying his bath!