Mimicry in Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater

["Philip Veerman" <>]

Hi Glenn,

Yes, Chisholm 1932 called the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater "a minor mimic". I 
wouldn't think it a common thing. I have never encountered that. Chisholm notes 
that most honeyeaters are not strong on vocal mimicry. Although it was not my 
observation, I mentioned this in my article (1992) 'Vocal mimicry of larger 
honeyeaters by the Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia', Australian Bird 
Watcher 14: 180-189. The behaviour you describe is typical of the sort of thing 
done by most vocal mimics (which is really copying, rather than true mimicry, 
as it doesn't relate in any way to the model species or obtain any value from 
the potential deception).

The behaviour of the Regent Honeyeater is very different to that.

Philip