Gaze, P.D., & Clout, M.N. 1983 Honeydew and its importance to birds in beech forests of South Island, New Zealand.. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 6: 33-37.

Notes: Honeydew is produced by a scale insect (Ultracoelostoma assimile Margarodidae) in some Nothofagus forests of South Island, New Zealand. The quantity of honeydew present and its sugar concentration varies through the year. Honeydew is a valuable resource for bellbirds (Anthormis melanura), tuis (Prosthemadera novaescalandiae) and silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis). Bellbirds and tuis were commoner in forests with more honeydew. Bellbirds spent more time feeding on honeydew when its sugar concentration was low.