| Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater | |
|---|---|
| Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater taken at Gluepot Reserve, South Australia | |
| Conservation status | |
| 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 Acanthegenys. 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]