Regent Honeyeater
Anthochaera phrygia
Early last century, flocks of over a thousand birds could be seen at a time through South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland. Today, fewer than 500 birds are found in the wild and flocks of 20 birds are rare. This is due to habitat loss.
Moonlit Sanctuary joined the captive management program that saw 40 birds released into the wild in 2013.
Moonlit Sanctuary has so far bred 7 birds. 4 have been returned to New South Wales for release with the next scheduled release.
WHAT THEY EAT
Regent honeyeaters mostly eat the nectar of flowers as well as insects, spiders and some fruit.
BREEDING
Regent honeyeaters lay their eggs in a cup nest made of bark. The female incubates the eggs, with both the female and male feeding the young.
