We live in a relatively inner suburb of Brisbane. Our Grevillia robusta
never has copious flowers, but it is regularly visited by feeding birds.
The main birds seen feeding at the flowers are the usual suspects in the
suburb: Rainbow Lorikeets, Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Noisy and Little
Friarbirds, and Noisy Miners. I expect that Brown Honeyeaters and
Silvereyes, which are often in the garden, will also access the flowers
discretely, although there is not much cover for small birds while it is
flowering. At night, the fruit bats visit every night during the
flowering season. I expect that the visiting Ringtail and Brushtail
possums will also feed on the flowers.
The tree is taller than those in surrounding gardens and is used by many
other birds throughout the year for singing and perching.
Linda
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:26:52 +1100
From: "Paul & Irene Osborn" <>
Subject: What birds feed on Grevillea robusta?
To: <>
Message-ID: <>
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We have two Silky Oaks flowering at the moment. Like Anthea, I am
surprised
at the lack of birds feeding in these trees. I see the occasional Red
Wattlebird, Rainbow Lorikeet or Noisy Friarbird in them and very rarely,
Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. Last week I saw what I at first thought were
White-naped Honeyeaters in the larger tree but closer inspection showed
them
to be a pair of White-winged Trillers. They appeared to be feeding from
the
flowers but may have been gleaning insects.
Paul Osborn, near Bulahdelah, NSW
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