The Arfak honeyeater or bare-eyed honeyeater, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to West Papua, Indonesia, where it lives in subtropical and tropical moist montane forest, at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,700 m.
Region
Vogelkop (Bird’s Head) Peninsula, West Papua, New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, especially mossy mid- to upper-elevation zones. It uses forest interiors, edges, and ridgelines, and may venture into gaps and secondary growth when flowers are abundant. Birds typically work the midstory to canopy, visiting flowering shrubs, vines, and epiphytes. It avoids lowland forests and human-dominated low elevations.
Altitude Range
1200–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the Arfak Mountains of the Vogelkop (Bird’s Head) Peninsula, this honeyeater is easily recognized by its bare skin around the eye. It forages methodically for nectar and insects in mossy montane forests and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its restricted range makes intact high-elevation forest especially important for its persistence.
Temperament
active and somewhat wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through the canopy and across gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation, with both parents contributing to care. Territoriality is shown around rich nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear whistles and sharp chatter, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls can be metallic or scratchy when interacting at flowers, carrying well in montane forest.
Plumage
Sooty to olive-brown overall with a dusky, slightly smoky tone; feathers appear smooth and plain with minimal streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees, shrubs, and epiphytes. Supplements its diet with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes small fruits when available, especially during periods of lower floral abundance.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of mossy montane forest, along edges, and in gaps rich in blossoms. Often visits flowering vines and mistletoes and follows phenology of montane blooms.
