Eastern Spinebill

A tiny honeyeater, just 13–16cm long, known for its slim downcurved bill and striking colouring — males show a black head and a chestnut-flecked white throat patch, females a duller olive-grey.

Endemic to southeastern Australia, from North Queensland down through New South Wales and Victoria into Tasmania and the Flinders Ranges, in dry forest, scrub and heath, adapting readily to well-planted gardens.

Feeds mainly on nectar from eucalypts, mistletoes, banksias and grevilleas, topped up with small insects, and can slow its metabolism to ride out lean nectar seasons.

Breeds August to January, raising one or two broods in a small cup nest slung in a tree fork.

Rated Least Concern.