Lewin’s Honeyeater

Identification

Lewin's honeyeater is a small to medium-sized bird, measuring 19–22 cm in length and weighing 27–49 g. Its most distinctive feature is the large, yellowish, crescent-shaped ear-patches that give it the alternative name Yellow-eared Honeyeater. The plumage is dark greenish-grey overall, with a creamy yellow gape (the fleshy corners of the mouth). In flight, pale yellow edges on the flight feathers become visible. The bill is black and the eye is blue-grey. Both sexes appear similar, though young birds differ by having brown eyes rather than the blue-grey of adults.

The bird's loud, distinctive 'machine gun-like' rattling call is often heard from considerable distances and readily reveals its presence. This striking vocalisation, combined with the characteristic ear-patches, helps separate it from other honeyeater species, though two smaller, similar species occur in tropical Queensland.

Range & Habitat

Lewin's honeyeater is found along the east coast of Australia, ranging from central Victoria north to the Rockhampton Region and beyond in Queensland. Three subspecies are recognised: the nominate M. l. lewinii (the most common and the only subspecies found outside Queensland), M. l. mab in northeastern Queensland, and M. l. amphochlora in high-altitude areas of the McIlwraith Range on Cape York Peninsula.

The species favours the wetter parts of eastern Australia and inhabits rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, often wandering into more open woodland. It is a common bird and rather sedentary, tending to remain in the same area year-round, though some altitudinal migration to lower elevations occurs during winter months.

Behaviour & Diet

Lewin's honeyeaters feed mostly on fruits, with a preference for berries and small fruits, supplemented by insects and nectar. They are usually observed alone but may form loose groups of up to 10 birds. Feeding takes place in the upper branches and on tree trunks, with some insects caught in flight.

Breeding occurs from September to January. The nest is a large cup constructed from vegetation and other materials, bound together with spider web and lined with soft material. Two to three oval eggs are incubated for approximately 14 days, and fledglings leave the nest after a further 14 days. Both parents care for the young, though their specific roles in nest building and incubation remain unclear.

Best Time & Places to See It

Lewin's honeyeater is common throughout its range and can be encountered year-round, though its loud rattling call makes it easier to locate than many other species. Wetter forest habitats—rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests—offer the best viewing opportunities. The species' sedentary nature means birds tend to remain in their preferred territories, making them relatively predictable in suitable habitat.

Photography Tips

The distinctive yellow ear-patches are the key identifying feature to capture photographically. Look for birds feeding in the upper branches and on tree trunks where they forage for fruit and insects. The pale yellow flight feather edges visible in flight provide useful identification clues. Early morning provides the best light for photographing these birds among the forest canopy, and listening for their loud machine gun-like calls will help locate individuals before attempting to photograph them.