Sugomel nigrum
The Black Honeyeater (Sugomel nigrum) is a striking, diminutive passerine endemic to the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia, renowned for its highly nomadic lifestyle. Adults typically measure a mere 10-12 cm in length and weigh 6-9 grams, making it one of the smallest honeyeaters. Males are unmistakable with their glossy black plumage contrasting sharply with a bright white belly and a distinct white patch on the wing. Females are often duller, appearing brownish-black above with a gre...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, inhabiting mulga, mallee, acacia woodlands, spinifex grasslands, and shrublands, often near flowering Eremophila (emu bush) or Grevillea. It typically occurs at low elevations, generally below 500 meters.
Primarily nectar, especially from Eremophila and Grevillea species, supplemented with small insects caught on the wing or gleaned from vegetation.
Black Honeyeaters are active, diurnal birds, constantly flitting and hovering as they forage. Their foraging strategy primarily involves probing flowers for nectar, but they also hawk for small insects in mid-air or glean them from foliage. They can be territorial around rich flowering patches, w...
The Black Honeyeater is an Australian endemic, widely distributed across the arid and semi-arid zones of the continent. Its range encompasses vast areas of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and extends irregularly into north-western Victoria....
Least Concern
- The Black Honeyeater is one of Australia's smallest honeyeaters, weighing about the same as a 20-cent coin. - It's an ecological specialist, thriving in the harsh arid environments of Australia by meticulously tracking unpredictable rainfall and subsequent floral blooms. - Unlike many songbirds...