Scarlet Honeyeater

Myzomela sanguinolenta

Male Scarlet Sunbird photographed in a melaleuca tree.

Scarlet Sunbird Credit: Shirley Hitschmann

Male Scarlet Sunbird photographed in a melaleuca tree in song.

Male Scarlet Sunbird Credit: Shirley Hitschmann

Male Scarlet Sunbird photographed feeding in a melaleuca tree.

Scarlet Sunbird Credit: Shirley Hitschmann

Bird Description:

Like a tiny spark of fire darting through the treetops, the male Scarlet Honeyeater is impossible to miss. With brilliant scarlet plumage on his head, chest, and back, he glows against the greens of the bush. The females are more subtly dressed in olive-brown tones with a pale belly—but just as busy and important in the bird world.

Primarily nectarivorous, the Scarlet Honeyeater feeds on the nectar of various flowering plants, such as eucalypts, paperbarks (Melaleuca spp.), and banksias. It also consumes insects, including beetles, flies, bugs, and caterpillars, gleaned from foliage or caught in flight. These little honeyeaters love flowers, especially grevilleas and eucalypts, and they use their curved beaks to sip nectar. They’re fast-moving, flitting from bloom to bloom, and often heard before they’re seen.

Special features:

Size: At 9–11 cm in length, it is Australia’s smallest honeyeater.
Wikipedia

Male: Striking bright red plumage on the head and upper body, contrasting with black wings and tail.

Female: More subdued, with brownish-grey tones and a faint reddish wash on the face and throat.

Bill: Long, slender, and down-curved, adapted for nectar feeding.

Did you know?:

Despite their size (only about 10 cm long!), Scarlet Honeyeaters are fierce defenders of their food trees and will take on much larger birds to protect their nectar buffet. They’re also some of the earliest risers—often among the first birds to sing at dawn as the sun peeks over the Agnes Water treetops.

View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/scarlet-honeyeater/

Preferred Habitat:

consider planting a variety of native flora that provide nectar, shelter, and foraging opportunities. These birds are particularly drawn to red and orange tubular flowers and benefit from dense shrubs that offer protection.

Recommended Native Plants for Agnes Water Gardens
1. Grevillea Species

Grevillea pteridifolia (Fern-leaf Grevillea): Produces bright orange flowers rich in nectar.

Grevillea hilliana (White Silky Oak): Offers creamy white flowers that attract honeyeaters.

Grevillea hodgei (Coochin Hills Grevillea): A rare species with red flowers, ideal for bird attraction.
ppnn.org.au

2. Callistemon Species (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush): Features vibrant red flowers that are a favorite among nectar-feeding birds.

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush): Known for its striking crimson blooms.

3. Banksia Species

Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia): Suited for coastal conditions, providing ample nectar.

Banksia robur (Swamp Banksia): Thrives in moist soils, offering large flower spikes.

4. Melaleuca Species (Paperbarks)

Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved Paperbark): Attracts birds with its bottlebrush-like flowers.

Melaleuca leucadendra (Weeping Paperbark): Provides both nectar and shelter.

5. Hakea Species

Hakea actites (Wallum Hakea): Native to coastal heathlands, offering nectar-rich flowers.

Hakea salicifolia (Willow-leaved Hakea): Features creamy-white flowers and dense foliage.

6. Leptospermum Species (Tea Trees)

Leptospermum polygalifolium (Yellow Tea Tree): Produces profuse white to pale yellow flowers.

Leptospermum liversidgei (Olive Tea Tree): Offers aromatic foliage and attracts insects, supplementing the honeyeater’s diet.

7. Xanthostemon chrysanthus (Golden Penda)

A tropical tree with bright yellow flowers, highly attractive to nectar-feeding birds.

Additional Tips for a Bird-Friendly Garden
Diverse Planting: Incorporate a mix of plant species that flower at different times to ensure a year-round nectar supply.

Layered Vegetation: Create a multi-layered garden with ground covers, shrubs, and trees to provide feeding and nesting habitats.

Water Sources: Provide clean water through birdbaths or shallow dishes.

Avoid Pesticides: Reducing or eliminating pesticide use will help maintain a healthy insect population, which is another food source for honeyeaters.

Habitat: Forest, Mangroves, Urban

Location: 1770 - Joseph Banks Cons Park Sth, 1770 - SES Grounds, AW - Discovery Trails, AW - Town Centre, Eurimbula NP, Rural Properties and Town

Size: Very Small

Type of bird: Honeyeaters