These tiny Mistletoebirds are often a bit tricky to see in the treetops, but it’s well worth waiting and watching if you ever hear their high-pitched single call.
Mistletoebirds are Australia’s only species from the flowerpecker family. They are about 10cm long and weigh just 9g. The males are resplendent with their blue-black heads, upperparts and wings. They have bright red feathers on their throat and beneath their tail. Their underparts are white with a black central stripe – quite magnificent.
They feed on mistletoe berries but their digestive systems are unable to digest the sticky seeds which they excrete by wiping them onto branches. This works perfectly to sustain their food source as mistletoes are parasitic plants which have often been placed in a perfect spot to germinate.
The bird above is a female. She has much softer colouring than her male partner. She has a grey central streak on her underparts and a softer red colour beneath her tail.
Several years ago I watched a pair as they nested in my garden. I hid on the ground behind fallen branches and watched them through my binoculars. The nest was made from plant fibres and cobwebs. It was pear-shaped and hung from the outer branches of a Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovata). It was amazing to watch the nest increase in size, gradually stretching, as the nestlings grew bigger.
Last week I shared a link to a petition to try to save the Heritage Golf and Country Club kangaroos (above) from being killed for dog food. I’m pleased to report that Heritage have been in consultation with the CEO of Wildlife Victoria, Lisa Palma, and a leading veterinarian from Save the Kinley and Heritage Kangas, Dr Tash Bassett. The petition has reached just over 19,000 signatures – Save the Heritage Kangas – Petition – there is hope, thank you.
Happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
