Pardalotes: Pardalotidae

Pardalotes (PAR-dah-lohts) are small- to medium-sized birds, with some species being very small in size. They are fairly bright colored, beautiful birds. Pardalotes have a short and plump body; a short, stumpy, scoop-shaped black bill; a short tail; nine long, stiff primary feathers (with a tenth feather barely visible), nine secondary feathers (with some species having a tenth shortened one); short pointed wings; and strong legs and feet. All species have brightly colored plumage (feathers), with many combinations including yellow, brown, and black colorings and white spots or streaking. The color combination is often called "sparkling," which has given them the popular name "diamond bird." Their backs are slate to olive, while the head and wings are black with white spots or stripes and with patches of bright yellow or orange. Females are duller in color than males in some species. They are 3 to 5 inches (8 to 12 centimeters) long, and weigh between 0.3 and 0.5 ounces (8 to 13 grams).