Another new bird for the local list – the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis.
A medium-size honeyeater (smaller than the wattlebirds), this species has a rather unusual distribution. Essentially a dry-country bird in Victoria it is a common inhabitant of woodland and mallee areas, especially in the north-west. It is also reasonably common around Melbourne and the peninsulas of Port Phillip Bay, where it has adapted to home gardens and areas of scrubland on sandy soils.
Until yesterday it was a species that I hadn’t recorded locally, however, its arrival was not entirely unexpected. It is one of a number of nomadic, dry country honeyeaters* that can often be found well ‘out of range’. I suspect small numbers occur in the district in some years. The late Joan Butler, a dedicated and knowledgeable local bird observer, recorded it a number of times back in 2001 (from May to July at Joyce’s Park) and since then there have been a small number of observations in the vicinity of Maldon and Muckleford.
Like most honeyeaters it is active and somewhat aggressive bird. This recent sighting involved three individuals – spending most of their time chasing each other, or being pursued by Red Wattlebirds and White-plumed Honeyeaters, into whose territory they had ventured.
Apart from their distinctive appearance (brilliant blue iris, pink bill with a dark tip, white cheek-stripe, apricot-buff throat and tear-drop underparts), Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters have a most beautiful voice. Often described as a series of liquid, gurgling notes it is easily recognised as something different when heard for the first time.
A big shout out to Will Donkin who first spotted this flock last Friday (8th July). Will initially identified the call as unusual and then tracked down the owner!
I don’t expect these birds will stay around … but let’s see.
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Mia Mia Creek Newstead, 11th July 2022
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* Other dry-country nomads that are well being alert for include: Striped Honeyeater, Black Honeyeater, Pied Honeyeater, Purple-gaped Honeyeater and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater.
Natural Newstead 
Nice record Geoff. I got a single bird here in Ashbourne on 25/04/2020, a real surprise in our area.
Hi Natural Newstead. We had three blue faced honey eaters in the backyard last week. Steve and Rose.
Thanks for the note Steve and Rose. There is a small flock (maybe 5 birds) that has been in Newstead now for the past couple of years. Glad to hear they have paid a visit. Cheers, geoff
Hi Geoff, I saw this bird yesterday, and I don’t recollect seeing it before. Can you tell me what it is? I do love your emails, having now retired I spend many hours in the local bush, and just wish I had more knowledge of the abundant bird life . Regards, Kris Hardefeldt
Sent from my iPad
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Hi Kris – can you send me the image via email (geoff.park@naturaldecisions.com.au). WordPress comments don’t allow image attachments.
Cheers, geoff
Hi Geoff, Great record! A lone individual passed through our garden in late winter/early spring last year – the first time I’d seen this species locally also.
Hi Geoff I have to tell you that the spiny one was recorded 40 or 50 years ago at Campbells Ck by well known and respected bird observer, Kay Turner et al. I can remember her being quite. excited about it at the time Regards George
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