Last updated on 1-Nov 2017
In parts of south-eastern Australia, the harsh, discordant chatter and musical song of the Little Friarbird are a common part of the summer soundscape. They are summer breeding visitors to this part of the country, being present from August and September until March and April, when they depart on northern migration. However, further north, Little Friarbirds are recorded throughout the year. Their large, deep cup-shaped nests are usually suspended from a forked branch, often overhanging water, and are defended against other birds, either other Little Friarbirds or different species.
The Little Friarbird is the smallest of the friarbirds, with a medium, curved bill with no casque (a bump, characteristic of other friarbirds) and a squared off tail when spread. It is brown-grey above, paler grey on neck and collar, with a distinctive bare blue-grey face patch, and pale greyish white below with fine white streaking on the breast. Females are slightly smaller, but otherwise similar. Young birds are browner above, with more yellowish colourings on chin and throat.
Noisy, harsh calls. Also some musical ‘che-weep, chewip, chewip, chew-will, che-will’ notes give in breeding season. Bird call recorded by: Fred Van Gessel
Widespread in northern and eastern Australia, the Little Friarbird is also found in New Guinea. Found from Broome, Western Australia across the Top End to Queensland, and down the coast of New South Wales as far as the Central Coast. Widespread in Western New South Wales and northern Victoria along Murray River, to South Australia.
Habitat: Heathland, Woodland, Forest, Wetland
The Little Friarbird is found near water, mainly in open forests and woodlands dominated by eucalypts. Also found in wetlands, monsoon forests, mangroves and coastal heathlands. Only extend into arid zone along waterways. Mostly tropical, but also common in semi-arid zone. It will also be seen in gardens and orchards.
Unlike other friarbirds, the Little Friarbird has no casque (bump) on its bill.
It is a conspicuous and noisy bird, often chasing other honeyeaters, and is mostly seen higher up in trees.
Little Friarbirds feed alone, in pairs or small flocks, almost entirely in trees, and are rarely seen on ground. Their diet is mainly nectar and invertebrates, sometimes also eating flowers, fruit and seeds. Sometimes feed in mixed groups with other honeyeaters.
Little Friarbirds form monogamous pairs. Both parents build the nest, a large deep open cup, often see-through, lined with fine grasses and other soft materials, which is always near or overhanging water. The female alone incubates the eggs, but both parents feed the young. Two broods may be raised in a season. Often parasitised by the Common Koel, Eudynamys scolopacea.
