Striated Pardalotes were once split into six different species but now they are all lumped together as one with six subspecies. Either way, they are all recognisable although where you encounter intermediates (pic 568208) naming them becomes a bit tricky. Five of the six subspecies are shown here.

Striated Pardalotes nest both in earthen banks and also in tree hollows. The sexes look alike and they both share all the nesting chores, from digging the nest tunnel (where necessary) and nest building right through to feeding the fledglings.

The nominate form 'striatus', once called Yellow-tipped Pardalote (because of the yellow spot on the wing) is perhaps more distinctive than the others which all have a red wing spot. Yellow-tipped Pardalotes only breed in Tasmania, and in winter migrate in flocks to the mainland.

To me, the other fairly distinctive but little known forms are both from northern Australia the subspecies 'uropygialis' and 'melvillensis' which both have an orange rather than yellow frons. In parts of the north where they are common they tunnel into the graded earthen banks along the roadsides. Whilst driving past the constant sight of their bright yellow rumps as they fly from their hollows is impressive.