Spotted Pardalotes are tiny little birds with neat patterns and colours on their heads and bodies. They flit around high in the trees or deep in the undergrowth, so it’s a treat when one stays still long enough to get a good look at you.

Pardalotes are native to Australia. There are four species in the Pardalote family, of which we have just one in our area near Sydney.

An unusual characteristic is that, although they spend much of their time high in the treetops, they build their nests in tunnels in the ground. Take a look at my other posts to see videos of these birds entering into and emerging from their tunnels.

Common name: Spotted Pardalote or Diamondbird
Scientific name: Pardalotus punctatus
Approximate length: 10 cm
Date spotted: 19 June 2025 (winter)
Location: Manly Dam, NSW, Australia: 33°46’38.6″S 151°14’55.8″E