Entomyzon cyanotis | Blue-faced honeyeater, Bananabird
Name(s): Hansel, Derek, Baxter, Louis (males)
Meet Our Blue-Faced Honeyeaters
Say hello to Hansel, Derek, Baxter, and Louis—the feathery stars of the Outback habitat! These vibrant and social birds, also known as Blue-faced Honeyeaters (Entomyzon cyanotis), bring energy, color, and curiosity wherever they go. Their striking bright blue facial markings, contrasted with sleek black, white, and olive-green feathers, make them a dazzling sight in the aviary.
Social and Spirited Birds
Native to Australia and New Guinea, Blue-faced Honeyeaters are highly social creatures, often living in family groups of four to ten individuals. These groups include extended family members and offspring of various ages, creating a strong sense of community.
Nicknamed “Bananabirds”, they have a fondness for banana fruit and flowers, alongside their natural diet of nectar, insects, and fruit. Their specially adapted brush-tipped tongues allow them to extract nectar efficiently, making them essential pollinators and seed spreaders in their ecosystems.
Life at the Zoo
In human care, these honeyeaters enjoy a diet of Mazuri soft-bill food, crickets, mealworms, fresh fruit, and chop (a finely diced mix of nutritious fruits and vegetables). Their energetic nature keeps them active, and they love to interact with their environment—including one of their favorite pastimes: looking at themselves in mirrors!
You can find Hansel, Derek, Baxter, and Louis in the aviary located in the Outback habitat yard. Keep an eye out for Louis in particular—this curious little adventurer loves greeting guests up close through the fence!
Whether they’re singing melodious tunes, darting between trees, or foraging for treats, these charismatic birds are always up for something exciting. Be sure to stop by and watch their lively antics during your visit!
Fact Sheet
Taxonomy
Species: Entomyzon cyanotis
Kingdom: Animalia | Phylum: Chordata | Class: Aves | Order: Passeriformes | Family: Meliphagidae | Genus: Entomyzon |
Favorite Enrichment Type
Mirrors! They love to look at themselves!
Life Span
- In the Wild: 9 to 10 years
- In Human Care: 15 to 25+ years
Diet
- In the Wild: Nectar, insects, and fruit.
- At the Zoo: Mazuri® soft-bill diet, crickets, mealworms, fresh fruit, and chop.
Geographic Range
Australia and New Guinea.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forests, and public green spaces close to fresh water in Australia and New Guinea.
Status: Least Concern
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – Least Concern
How to Find Us
You can find Hansel, Derek, Baxter, and Louis in the aviary located in the Outback habitat yard. Keep an eye out for Louis in particular—this curious little adventurer loves greeting guests up close through the fence!