Spiny-cheeked honeyeater

Spiny-cheeked honeyeater
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Meliphagidae
Genus: Acanthagenys
Gould, 1838
Species:
A. rufogularis
Binomial name
Acanthagenys rufogularis
Gould, 1838
Map of the range of the spiny-cheeked honeyeater[2]
Spiny-cheeked honeyeater

The spiny-cheeked honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis) is the only species in the genus Acanthagenys. It is large for a honeyeater, ranging from 22 to 27 centimeters (8.7 to 10.6 inches) tall and weighing around 52 grams.[3] The birds are sociable, aggressive, and often observed foraging in large flocks.[4]

The spiny-cheeked honeyeater is mainly frugivorous, but will also eat nectar, blossoms, insects, reptiles, and young birds.[4] Its habitat includes deserts, coastal scrubland, and dry woodlands.[3] It is also found in mangroves and orchards.[4] Its range includes most of Australia, except for Tasmania, northern tropical areas, and the southeastern coast.[5]

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Acanthagenys rufogularis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22704451A93969319. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22704451A93969319.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Australia, Atlas of Living. "Search: SPECIES: Acanthagenys rufogularis | Occurrence records | Atlas of Living Australia". biocache.ala.org.au. Retrieved 2017-06-10.
  3. ^ a b "Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater." Featherdal Wildlife Park, Sydney, Australia. Accessed: 18 July 2007. URL: [1]
  4. ^ a b c Birds in Backyards: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Archived 2007-07-17 at the Wayback Machine. Australian Museum. 2005. Accessed: 18 July 2007.
  5. ^ Oz Birds: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Accessed: 18 July 2007. URL