The Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus is one of our most abundant and vocal local birds. They are however somewhat nondescript in appearance.
Fuscous Honeyeater probing for insects under Yellow Gum bark, Sullivan’s Track, 21st September 2013.
Their numbers really dropped off in 2012, as it seems many of the birds left the district during a poor flowering season. Like other blossom-nomads, they will quite happily move large distances in search of a reliable supply of nectar. This year, the Yellow Gums have flowered more heavily and numbers are back to normal. Most honeyeaters supplement their diet with insects.
Fuscous Honeyeaters have a distinctive black and yellow plume on the cheek – this is really their only obvious marking.
Natural Newstead 