honeyr.jpg (1835 bytes) HELMETED HONEY EATER honeyl.jpg (1870 bytes)

The helmeted honey eater is the faunal emblem of Victoria. It is now considered to be an endangered species. It can only be found in the Yellingbo Reserve, in Southern Victoria. After much effort by the "Friends Of The Helmeted Honeyeater"(HHE Friends) group their numbers have grown from 40 to over 100 birds.

 

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Their nest are built from things in their habitat like above.

The honey eater is named for the tuft of golden yellow feathers on its head. Its upper body is olive Grey and the under parts and a yellowish green. This bird grows to about 20 cm in length (9inches)

Helmeted honey eaters are able to begin breeding  when they are one year old. They usually mate for life and may continue to breed for 10 years. Each year the breeding season extends from August to February. Their nests are a cup shape made out of bark, grass, ferns, dried leaves and cobwebs. They are built close to the ground in dense scrub so they are not easily seen.

Usually two eggs are laid with three or four clutches per season. They are flesh color with red spots on them. The female incubates the eggs which hatch two weeks after being laid. Both parents help to feed the nestlings who eat insects. After about two weeks the chicks can leave the nest, though the adults do tend to feed them for awhile.

The helmeted honey eaters became endangered due to the loss of habitat and introduced species that became their predators.

The HHE Friends have helped by collecting eggs and chicks and taking them to Healesville Sanctuary. Planting trees and shrubs is supplying food and habitat for these birds. Proper habitat protects them from predators such as foxes and cats.

By Kate

                     

* Read our Honey Eater Reports

* Read our Interview with true friends of the Helmeted Honey Eater

* Return to school Homepage

 


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10-03-00 09:18 am