Wattlebird
| Wattlebirds | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Anthochaera chrysoptera | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Meliphagidae |
| Genus: | Anthochaera Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 |
| Species | |
Wattlebirds (Anthochaera) 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. Recent evidence suggests the regent honeyeater belongs in this genus.
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 turkey; some vultures; and several species of lapwing. The entire Callaeidae family of New Zealand, comprising the tieke (also known as the saddleback), the kokako, and the extinct huia, are also known as wattlebirds, but are unrelated to this genus.
Anthochaera contains the following species:
- Red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)
- Little wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera)
- Yellow wattlebird (Anthochaera paradoxa)
- Western wattlebird (Anthochaera lunulata)
-
Anthochaera lunulata, western wattlebird
-
Anthochaera paradoxa, yellow wattlebird
-
Anthochaera chrysoptera, little wattlebird
-
Anthochaera carunculata, red wattlebird
See also
- List of Australian birds
External links
- Wattlebird videos on the Internet Bird Collection
- TerraNature pages on New Zealand wattlebirds