Philemon argenticeps
The Silver-crowned Friarbird, *Philemon argenticeps*, is a medium-sized honeyeater endemic to northern Australia and southern New Guinea, instantly recognizable by its distinctive bare, silvery-white crown and slate-grey to brownish-grey plumage. Measuring approximately 27-32 cm in length with a wingspan of 40-45 cm and weighing between 70-120 grams, this species exhibits minimal sexual dimorphism, though males are typically slightly larger. Key field marks include the conspicuous featherless...
This adaptable species primarily inhabits open eucalyptus woodlands, monsoon forests, paperbark swamps, mangroves, and sometimes even urban gardens and parks, generally at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily nectivorous and insectivorous, consuming nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, a wide variety of insects and other arthropods, and occasionally small fruits and seeds. They forage actively by gleaning, probing, and hawking.
Silver-crowned Friarbirds are diurnal and highly active, often conspicuous in the canopy and mid-story, typically roosting communally or solitarily in dense foliage. They employ a diverse foraging strategy, gleaning insects from foliage, hawking them in flight, and probing flowers for nectar. The...
The Silver-crowned Friarbird is largely resident across the tropical northern regions of Australia, extending from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Northern Territory's Top End, and east through Queensland's Cape York Peninsula. Its range also extends into the southern parts ...
Least Concern
- The name 'friarbird' comes from their bare heads, which resemble the cowls worn by friars. - Unlike most other friarbirds, the Silver-crowned Friarbird lacks a prominent knob or casque on its bill, making it relatively easy to distinguish from species like the Helmeted Friarbird. - They are kno...