The brown-backed honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Australasia (New Guinea and northern Australia)
Typical Environment
Occurs across southern New Guinea and the Cape York Peninsula of Queensland, Australia. It favors coastal and lowland habitats, especially mangrove forests, paperbark (Melaleuca) swamps, and riparian woodland edges. Birds may also use adjacent monsoon forest and open woodland when trees are flowering. It is most frequently encountered near waterways and tidal creeks within mangrove systems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small honeyeater often follows flowering mangroves and paperbarks, shifting locally as nectar sources change. It builds a delicate, pendulous, bottle-shaped nest bound with spider silk, frequently suspended over water for protection. Both parents typically feed the nestlings, capturing small insects in addition to sipping nectar.
Abattoir Swamp, Julatten, Queensland
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups and may join mixed-species flocks in coastal woodlands. Pairs build a hanging, purse-like nest, commonly over water, and both adults participate in care. Territoriality is moderate, with more tolerance around abundant flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, chattering notes and thin, squeaky pipings delivered in short bursts. The song is a simple series of repeated, tinkling phrases, often given from exposed perches in mangroves.
Plumage
Plain brown back and wings with paler buff-white underparts and a clean whitish throat; subtle olive-brown tones above. The face shows a pale eyebrow with darker lores and a lightly shaded ear patch. Tail is brown, slightly graduated, with minimal patterning.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowering mangroves, paperbarks, and other coastal trees, using its slightly curved bill to probe blossoms. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. Will sally short distances to catch flying insects when abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in mangrove canopies, flowering Melaleuca stands, and along river edges. Often forages from mid-story to canopy height, moving quickly among blooms and leafy twigs.
