Striated Pardalote

The Striated Pardalote, Pardalotus striatus, is the most widespread and nomadic of Australia’s four pardalote species (pardalotus = spotted like a leopard). It can be found in a wide range of woodlands, scrublands, urban reserves, etc. There are several sub-species of the Striated Pardalote. 

Striated Pardalotes feed on a range of leaf bugs – psyllids, beetles, larvae, spiders, etc. – gleaned from the canopy foliage, particularly of eucalypts. Often they can be found in small family groups and some groups that are nomadic may be as large as 50 or more. 

Like many of our small canopy birds, they can be hard to spot as they dash between the tree tops and most often it is their call that gives away their presence. Outside their breeding season the Striated Pardalote is mostly silent, but in spring and summer you will hear their 2-4 note call variously described as ‘wid-did-i-up’ or ‘pik-it-up’ with variable local dialects. This song is often emitted while perched on a high, bare branch.

Patches of forest or woodland with old growth trees are likely habitat for the Striated Pardalote as they opt to nest inside small tree hollows. Rivers and creeks lined with mature eucalypts are fertile ground for this little bird. They are also known to nest in the eaves of sheds and houses and will even occupy a nest box with a small entry hole. 

The importance of tree hollows as nesting sites is no better illustrated than this (often seen) image of a Striated Pardalote a hollow metal power pole as a nesting site …