Mellow fellow flits into burbs

ALTHOUGH the white-eared honeyeater is listed in the Geelong Bird Report as moderately common in local areas, it is a rather unobtrusive bird.

It is found in the Anglesea heathlands, Otway forests, Brisbane Ranges and at Inverleigh, but rarely suburban gardens.

Unlike many of the honeyeaters, it is no great wanderer from its favoured habitat, so a sighting by Judith Cockbill re- cently is unusual.

The bird was seen fluttering around her parked car near Torquay, presumably attracted by its image reflected in the vehicle windows and mirrors.

The honeyeater gains its name from a large white patch behind each eye, contrasting with its black head.

Otherwise the bird is olivegreen in plumage colour.

The honeyeaters build a deep, cup-shaped nest using bark and similar materials, tightly bound with cobwebs, and lined with fur.

The nest often has the large, dry, white egg-sacs of huntsman spiders on the outside.

This may be a form of “confusion camouflage” drawing attention away from the white ear-patch.

White-eared honeyeaters are not great songsters, but their harsh “chock-up” and mellower notes are a feature of the heathlands in spring. Wildlife information and questions can be sent to ppescott@gmail.com