Philemon citreogularis
The Little Friarbird, Philemon citreogularis, is a distinctive medium-sized honeyeater endemic to Australia and southern New Guinea, measuring approximately 25-29 cm (10-11.5 inches) in length and weighing 50-80 grams. Its plumage is generally dull grey-brown on the upperparts, contrasting with paler, yellowish-washed underparts, particularly on the throat and vent, which gives it its specific epithet 'citreogularis' (yellow-throated). A key field mark is the bare, pale yellowish to pinkish-g...
This species primarily inhabits open woodlands, riparian forests, paperbark swamps, mangroves, and occasionally extends into urban parks and gardens. It prefers areas with flowering trees and dense shrubbery, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily nectivorous, feeding extensively on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, supplemented with a significant proportion of insects (especially flying insects) and small fruits. They forage by gleaning, hawking, and probing.
Little Friarbirds are diurnal and generally social, often observed singly, in pairs, or small groups, and sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. Their foraging strategy involves actively gleaning insects from foliage, hawking them in flight, and probing flowers for nectar. They are quite...
The Little Friarbird is widely distributed across northern and eastern Australia, extending from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and into northeastern Victoria. It also occurs in southern New Guinea, primarily in the Trans-Fly...
Least Concern
- The 'citreogularis' in its scientific name translates to 'yellow-throated', referencing the yellowish wash often seen on its throat and vent. - Unlike its larger cousins, the Noisy and Helmeted Friarbirds, the Little Friarbird lacks a prominent bony knob or casque on its bill. - Despite their c...