Spiny-cheeked honeyeater

Spiny-cheeked honeyeater
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

The spiny-cheeked honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis) is the only species in the genus Acanthagenys. 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]

References

  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Acanthagenys rufogularis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater." Featherdal Wildlife Park, Sydney, Australia. Accessed: 18 July 2007. URL:
  3. 1 2 3 4 Birds in Backyards: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Australian Museum. 2005. Accessed: 18 July 2007.
  4. Oz Birds: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Accessed: 18 July 2007. URL
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