Honeyeater-Koala interaction

A fascinating observation of Yellow-faced Honeyeater and Koala while staying at Tarra Valley Caravan Park (‘Fernholme’) Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland on 28 December 2011.

While having a cuppa on the deck of our cabin we observed a sleeping Koala about 10m up a eucalypt in front of us.

Our attention was drawn to a small bird briefly alighting on the back of the Koala which we realised was a Yellow-faced Honeyeater vigorously pulling out fur (for nesting material?) before flying off. the Koala didn’t respond immediately but shortly afterwards moved position on its branch to be out of site behind the main trunk of the tree.

I am aware that many honeyeaters use fur as nesting material but one doesn’t often see this occurrence. Other peoples observations most welcome.

Martin O’Brien Melbourne

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3 comments to Honeyeater-Koala interaction

  • "Stephen Ambrose"

    In 1981 the Warden of the Eyre Bird Observatory, the late Peter Congreve, was having an afternoon nap in a hammock on the verandah. He had taken off his shirt and was well-endowed with chest hair. A Willie Wagtail landed on his chest and tugged at his chest hairs, much to the amusement of onlookers.

    Stephen Ambrose Ryde, NSW

  • Alan Gillanders

    Some years ago my wife and I had Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters on the Blackdown Tablelands try to take hair from our heads and in my case from my beard also. I think there were two birds involved and that it occurred in the same area on the outward and return walks.

    About six years ago at nearly 1 000 metres on the southern Atherton Tablelands I was relieving myself at the edge of a rarely used track when a Mountain Thornbill detached itself from a mixed feeding flock and attempted to glean in my beard. I was highly amused and only a little hurt by the insult to my personal hygiene.

    Alan

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  • martin cachard

    Hi Martin & everyone else A good birding mate of mine from Sydney, Paul Bruty, last year sent me some fantastic images he took from a recent trip he made to Tasmania. He had several shots of more than one Strong-billed Honeyeaters simultaneously pulling fur from a very relaxed looking Bennet’s (Red-necked) Wallaby. I have witnessed a Yellow-spotted Honeyeater doing this to an Agile Wallaby up here in Cairns, but it was only one bird doing the extracting!! Pretty amazing to see, I must say. Cheers, Martin Cachard,Cairns, 0428 782 808

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