aussiebirder

This week my focus is on Australia’s 76 + species of birds we classify as Honeyeaters or Nectar eaters, which makes it the country with the largest variety of species for this classification of passerine, having almost half the world’s 186 species. Many of these birds live in very arid dry desert like regions of the vast Australian continent. There are many other birds from the Parrot species which have learned to flick the nectar with their tongues into their mouths, as nectar is not their prime food.

Most honeyeaters depend on the nectar for their health and breeding ability though they also consume insects, worms, lerps and some berry fruits. 40% of these birds live in the most arid dry hot regions of the vast Australian continent. The bird featured above is our smallest Honeyeater, the stunning male Scarlet Honeyeater.

Learn more about our amazing Honeyeater species from my video below:

One of the less known Australian Honeyeaters is the tiny Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) which is Australia’s closest cousin to the Northern Hemisphere Hummingbird. This bird is only found in Far North tropical Queensland and is a unique subspecies of the Asian species (Cinnyris frenatus) which is now called the Garden Sunbird. This bird is also included in my beautiful book on Australia’s birds suitable for all ages, but targeting Primary school aged children from 7 to 12 years of age. Each bird is beautifully pictured with one of its peculiar characteristics which helps teach a valuable life lesson to be learnt from the bird. Click on the image below to find out more and purchase this helpful book. It will open in a new tab.

The Bible mentions the delectability of honey, its sweetness and desirability, similar to its nourishing ability nectar gives birds, refreshing and energising them as a vital requirement for their healthy growth and breeding. So likewise God’s ways and instructions give life and refreshment to those who partake of them. Not as Laws which must be obeyed out of fear of punishment, as it was in the pre Jesus Jewish covenant. But as a loving desire from the heart that has come into the loving gracious relationship with Jesus as Saviour, Lord and Friend and God as Father, allowing enjoyment of life to its fullest. The apostle Paul reminds us:

“Reverence [honour and respect] for the Lord [our Heavenly Father] is pure, lasting for ever [eternal].

[God’s] Laws [instructions or ways] are pure [ loving and unselfish] and each one is fair.

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the honey comb

They are a warning to your servant [all who love and follow Jesus], and a great reward [comes] to those who obey.” from Psalm 19: 8-11

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Adv. Dip. in Counselling and Family Therapy.

Member of Birdlife Australia

To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

And learn from them how to live a healthy and happy life.

NOTE: All photos, videos and music used on this website are photographed, composed, performed  by the site owner and remains his copyrighted property, unless otherwise stated. The use of any material that is not original material of the site owner is duly acknowledged as such. © W. A. Hewson 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026