Birds Guide

Wattlebird
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia   Phylum: Chordata   Class: Aves   Order: Passeriformes   Family: Meliphagidae   Genus: Anthochaera Vigors & Horsfield, 1827
Species
Anthochaera carunculata Anthochaera chrysoptera Anthochaera paradoxa Anthochaera lunulata

Wattlebirds 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.

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 entire Callaeidae family of New Zealand, comprised of the Tieke, the Kokako and the extinct Huia; the Turkey; some vultures; and several species of lapwing.

See also

• List of Australian birds

External links

• Wattlebird videos on the Internet Bird Collection