any of four species of Australian songbirds (songbird) of the family Pardalotidae (order Passeriformes (passeriform)), with a simple tongue and a thickish, unserrated bill. Three of the four species have gemlike white spangles on the dark upper parts (the striated pardalote 【Pardalotus striatus】 does not). All pardalotes are tiny and stub-tailed. Pardalotes glean insects (insect) from leaves (leaf) and bark. They nest in tree holes or in crannies of buildings. The spotted pardalote (P. punctatus), with a yellow throat and rump, digs tunnels in sandbanks or in level ground.