the spotted pardalote, also known as the diamondbird, is a small passerine bird found throughout eastern & southern australia. they are brightly colored and easily recognizable, but often hard to identify in the field due to their quick movements and small size; adult birds are only 8 to 10 centimetres (3.1 to 3.9 in) in length. the spotted pardalote has unique nesting behavior that allows them to create a safe home for their young; they dig an underground tunnel, with an entrance point placed along a riverbank or slope, to nest within. the internal chamber, which is lined with shredded bark, is often higher than the entrance point (presumably to protect the young from flooding). these pardalotes lay one clutch of 3-4 eggs a year. while spotted pardalotes are still relatively common, their numbers are declining, particularly in urban areas; due to their shy natures, they may tend to desert heavily populated zones.
