About Pardalotus punctatus (Shaw, 1792)
The spotted pardalote, scientifically named Pardalotus punctatus (Shaw, 1792), weighs approximately 6 grams (0.21 oz) and measures 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in total length. For the nominate subspecies, the adult male has grey-brown upperparts covered in numerous paler buff spots. Its crown, wings, and tail are black, and all of these areas have white spots. It also has white eyebrows and a reddish rump. Its underparts are pale-buff-cinnamon, darkening to a more ochre tone on the breast, with a clearly demarcated yellow throat and yellow vent. Females of this subspecies are duller in overall coloration than males. The yellow-rumped subspecies is larger overall than the nominate subspecies, with a relatively smaller bill. The adult male of the yellow-rumped subspecies has finer white spots on its back, a bright yellow rump, and a cream-colored breast. The adult female of the yellow-rumped subspecies has finer spots than the adult female of the nominate subspecies. The Wet Tropics subspecies is smaller than the other subspecies, with a relatively larger bill. The adult male of the Wet Tropics subspecies has a reddish rump and pale- to cinnamon-buff underparts. George Caley reported that the spotted pardalote was not common around Sydney even during the early days of European settlement. Populations of spotted pardalote appear to be declining, particularly in urban areas. However, the species is not considered endangered at this time.
