Friarbirds

The Helmeted Friarbird (and the sub-species Horned Friarbird) is only found in northern parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. It is one of the biggest honeyeater species and is usually heard before being seen. Like all the Friarbirds, it has a loud, distinctive call.  

The plumage of this friarbird is plain grey/brown but you rarely notice that. Attention is always drawn to the unusual head with its silver cap and flattened out horn. The red eye finishes off this odd look. 

The Noisy Friarbird is paler in colour than the Helmeted, being silvery grey and pale brown. The head is bald and there is a prominent bump on the bill in front of the red eyes.

This Friarbird species is more widespread on the east coast. It looks for nectar on flowering plants and trees in a wide range of habitats including parks and gardens. 

Again, it is usually identified by the loud, raucous call. 

The Little Friarbird is the most normal looking of the family and also the most widespread. It has uniform brown colouring and a distinctive blue facial patch. Young birds have yellow underneath the chin and across the top of the breast. 

This species can be found in a wide range of habitats within its range but avoids desert areas. It too has an unusual call. The whole family of Friarbirds are seriously weird birds!

The Silver-crowned Friarbird is a large, grey/brown honeyeater with the typical black bare facial skin. It also has a knob on the top of the bill, similar to other friarbirds. The silver feathers around the head can look very like the Helmeted Friarbird. Looking carefully at the side of the head shows the facial skin to be quite pointed against the crown. 

The range of the Silver-crowned Friarbird is across the Top End. They can be found at times on the Cape York Peninsula but within their range in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, they are locally very common.