Wattlebird

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iWattlebird

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Meliphagidae
Genus: Anthochaera
Vigors & Horsfield, 1827
Species

Wattlebirds are members of the Honeyeater family, and native to Australia. Species of wattlebird include the Little Wattlebird, the Red Wattlebird, the Western Wattlebird, and the Yellow Wattlebird.

Wattlebirds are characterized by their wattles. These are bare fleshy appendages, usually wrinkled and often brightly coloured, hanging from the cheeks, neck or throat, and presumably serving for display. The exception is the Little Wattlebird, which lacks wattles.

Some other birds also have wattles, although they are not known by the term "wattlebird". Examples include the entire Callaeidae family of New Zealand, comprised of the Tieke, the Kokako and the extinct Huia; the Turkey; some vultures; and several species of lapwing.

A wattle bird sitting on a tree
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A wattle bird sitting on a tree











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