White-quilled Honeyeaters-Entomyzon albipennis are found in the north of Australia. It is one of the largest of the honeyeaters and a similar size to the Friarbirds, Wattlebirds and Miners. The colours of the White-quilled Honeyeater are also a stand-out feature. It is only in recent years that the White-quilled Honeyeater became a separate species from the Blue-faced Honeyeater. eBird mentioned the changes in August 2017. They are a fairly common bird within their range.

A map showing the range of the White-quilled Honeyeater can be found here. Usually the closest place to Broome that we observe the White-quilled Honeyeater is at Kununurra. It is always worth pulling up in the shade at the Celebrity Tree Park in town to enjoy Lily Creek Lagoon and the birds in the tall trees. There is also a rotunda where you can sit high up overlooking the water and often we find a White-quilled Honeyeater looking for insects on the underside of the structure. The header photo is of a White-quilled Honeyeater doing just that!

The White-quilled Honeyeater then moved to a nearby tree to look for insects. They are very agile and turn upside down to search in among the bark.

White-quilled Honeyeater

The White-quilled Honeyeater can often be observed chasing other smaller birds and is quite the “boss” in the park!

The White-quilled Honeyeaters really can’t be mistaken for any other species. However, if you see the species and you are unfamiliar with it you will describe it as a “blue faced honeyeater”! It all depends where you are now in Australia as to whether it is “blue faced” or “white-quilled”!!

Written by Clare M
Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!