Painted Honeyeater
A species of Honeyeater Scientific name : Grantiella picta Genus : Honeyeater
Painted Honeyeater, A species of Honeyeater
Botanical name: Grantiella picta
Genus: Honeyeater
Content
Description General Info
Description
Weighing around 20-25g, the painted honeyeater is a small bird that is approximately 16 cm in length, with a similar wingspan. Of the total length, the tail averages about 5.5 cm long and the bill 1.3 cm. The face, crown and upper parts of the body (including the scapulars, nape and rump) on adult male birds are black, with small white spots located on either side of the head. The underside of the body, consisting of the chin, throat, breast and belly, as well as the underside of the tail, is white. Black spots may be present in amongst the white feathers of the flanks, breast and belly. The edges of black flight feathers and greater primary and secondary coverts are bright yellow, as are those of the tail feathers, which also have white tips. The striking colour contrast in the feathers of the remiges and rectrices is one of the species' most distinctive traits, along with its pink bill, which has a grey tip. Feet and legs are also grey, while the irises of the eyes are reddish-brown . Females are slightly smaller than the males and are paler in colour, with fewer spots running down the flanks. Juveniles are even paler than the female, appearing more brown than black, with fainter yellow colouring to feathers and with a grey bill rather than the pink seen on adults. 
Size
15 cm
Feeding Habits
Painted Honeyeater specialize in eating mistletoe berries, particularly from Amyema species, aiding in seed dispersal. When berries are scarce, they supplement with nectar and insects, compensating for nutritional deficits, especially in protein and amino acids.
Habitat
The painted Honeyeater is closely linked to habitats with a prevalence of mistletoes, such as in box-ironbark eucalypt woodlands and casuarina woodlands. These birds are predominantly found in dry, inland regions characterized by a mix of eucalypt species and associated understorey. They inhabit riparian forests marked by river sheoaks, and can occasionally be seen in acacia areas, cypress-pine woodlands, mallee, and melaleuca associations. They can adapt to modified environments, including remnants in farmland and urban parks with large eucalypts.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The painted honeyeater is endemic to Australia and is found across eastern and northern parts of the country. Over spring and summer its distribution stretches from inland central Victoria through scattered parts of much of New South Wales and the ACT and into southern Queensland. Over winter birds migrate to north Queensland, around Cape York Peninsula, and eastern areas of the Northern Territory. There have also been recordings of several sightings in far eastern parts of South Australia. Found predominantly in woodlands and forests which contain Eucalyptus and Acacia species, their movement is not completely understood but has been connected to the presence of mistletoe and the role of that plant as a food source. Their migration south-north is believed to be as a result of mistletoe berry availability at certain times of the year. Studies have been conducted which suggest that habitat areas which have undergone less fragmentation and land clearing may see a greater number of painted honeyeaters present. They have also been found to be more abundant in locations where there are a large number of trees present and a high percentage of canopy cover. The painted honeyeater is a nomadic species that is very elusive. Observing them is rare but when they are seen it is commonly as pairs or individuals, and less frequently as a flock.
Species Status
Painted honeyeaters are threatened by habitat loss. Listed as vulnerable in several states and territories in Australia, fragmentation and land-clearing of areas which provide habitat for the painted honeyeater pose serious threats to the survival of this species.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Honeyeaters Genus
Honeyeater Species
Painted Honeyeater 
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