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Eastern Spinebill (male)
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
-28.7384, 151.877
Field Notes
Description:
Adults grow to around 16cm, males & females similar but female is slightly duller in colour with a grey crown (males black crown). White under throat with muddy violet patch in centre, chestnut on nape of neck, black iridescent wings, tail & back, lighter chestnut belly area, dark area extends from head around to chest, eyes red, beak is long, thin & curved, call is repetitive & high. Feeds on nectar & occasional insects & sweet fruit. Hovers in similar style to hummingbirds.
Habitat:
Found throughout the very east of Australia from South Australia around the coastline up to Far North Queensland, also in Tasmania in habitat that provides flowering nectar producing plants whether in natural environment or gardens. This one in garden setting adjacent to dry highland woodland.
Notes:
These photos show the 'hummingbird' style of hovering at flowers gathering nectar which is a characteristic of these birds. Many other native nectar feeders adopt the same style to varying degrees.
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