The Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis is a very interesting species. Found along the east coast of Australia, from eastern South Australia, it ranges into the Kimberley in the far north. It is generally associated with riparian areas but can be found in drier forests, especially outside the breeding season.
Blue-faced Honeyeater, Bough Yards Lane, 30th December 2013.
I have seen it intermittently in our district over a number of years and there are small colonies established around Maryborough and near Castlemaine. I suspect it is on the increase. It a species that does well near human settlements, exploiting orchards and golf-courses for example, where food such as fruit and nectar is abundant from exotic plantings of both native and introduced species. I was recently alerted to the presence of one, and possibly two birds between Strangways and Guildford. This bird appeared a few months back and has made itself quite at home. I’d be interested to hear of other local observations and especially any thoughts on changes in numbers over recent years.
Blue-faced Honeyeaters can be very confiding.
Many thanks to Roger and Lynn Sellwood for this observation.
Natural Newstead 
Hi Geoff
Blue Faced Honeyeaters are now regular spring/summer visitors to Ararat City. Just a few pairs…saw one at the Safeway Carpark last month.
Thanks Peter … this seems to fit the trend of a gradual southward movement that is likely to continue.
Cheers, geoff
I saw a pair in Fletcher St near Kalimna Park Castlemaine on Sept 17th last year, 2012. On a Hakea of some sort.
Thanks for this report Claire – will be interesting to hear of other Castlemaine notes.
Cheers, geoff
They were regular visitors earlier last year from April to early winter along Mostyn, Urqhart and Lyttleton streets in Castlemaine. Have seen up to 5 at once.
Thanks Damian – I suspect they may be reident around Castlemaine in small numbers … will be interesting to see if numbers slowly build in the future.
All the best for 2013.
Cheers, geoff
Driving out of the railway carpark up into Gingell St, Castlemaine a couple of weeks ago mid afternnoon, an olive backed, brilliant blue faced bird crossed my windscreen into the showgrounds, it was so stunning coloured and the closeness of the near miss a shock, but this honeyeater for sure.
that is so exciting!
Geoff – I spotted a Blue-faced Honeyeater in my back yard quite a few weeks ago and have seen it 3 or 4 times since. My neighbour has also sighted it. Yesterday, 26/1, we both saw 3 in the street trees out the front of my house.
Regards
Val Evans, Maldon
Hi Val, thanks for letting me know. I had heard that there were a few around Maldon township. Keep an eye out for youngsters, they have yellow, rather than blue skin around the face. It would be interesting to hear if they are breeding over coming seasons.
All the best, geoff
I also, saw a Blue-faced Honeyeater near the railway carpark on Gingell St, Castlemaine a few weeks back. I have noticed that they are very reliably visible in Talbot, especially on the Town Hall weather vane and rummaging in the midsts of palm fronds in the nearby gardens
Thanks Dino – I’ve had a few reports from that area. It seems they are well and truly resident in Castlemaine these days.
All the best, geoff
Honey, the bird in the photos, is still residing at our property, is getting bolder and usually comes when called or whistled to our front verandah, loves a good swim in the bird baths & now has the SC Too’s bluffed, they step aside for her..
Thanks Roger, is it still just the one bird or does Honey have company?
Cheers, geoff
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