Red wattle-bird (Anthochaera carunculata), 1790s

Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW; Purchased 1887; PXD 226, f. 60

Watercolour

Red wattle-birds are distributed throughout the southern areas of the Australian mainland.

The Red wattle-bird inhabits forests, woodlands and gardens, where it aggressively protects food-bearing plants from other honeyeater species.

Red wattle-birds can display domineering and often aggressive behaviour towards other birds intruding on their territory.

Red wattle-birds have several distinctive but unmusical calls including coughs, a harsh 'yac a yac' and a loud 'chok'.

Red wattle-birds get their common name due to the fleshy reddish wattle on the side of their necks.

The Red wattle-bird is among the largest of the Australian honeyeaters.