When first described, the eastern spinebill was placed in Certhia, a genus of treecreepers. It was soon transferred into the honeyeater family Meliphagidae, a much more comfortable fit for this small, dapper bird.
Although quite common, spinebills are infrequent visitors to this garden. They appear to trigger the rage circuits in the Lewin's honeyeaters, which chase them as soon as they spot them. This and their incessant activity make them difficult to photograph, but I managed to get this one while it was still deciding its next move.
