Huon melidectes

The Huon melidectes or Huon honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

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Distribution

Region

Northeastern New Guinea (Huon Peninsula)

Typical Environment

Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests on the Huon Peninsula, including mossy cloud forests and forest edges. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs and will use secondary growth where nectar is abundant. The species often forages along ridgelines, clearings, and forest margins. It is generally absent from lowlands and highly disturbed open habitats.

Altitude Range

1200–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size22–26 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.085 kg

Female Weight0.075 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Huon melidectes (Huon honeyeater) is a highland honeyeater confined to the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. Like other honeyeaters, it has a brush-tipped tongue for sipping nectar but also takes insects for protein. It is typically noisy and conspicuous around flowering trees, where it vigorously defends nectar sources. Its restricted range makes intact montane forest crucial for its persistence.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and vocal

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. It vigorously defends rich nectar sources and may chase other birds from flowering trees. Nesting occurs in dense vegetation, with cup-shaped nests placed in shrubs or small trees.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Loud, scolding chatter interspersed with harsh, ringing notes typical of melidectes honeyeaters. Calls carry over long distances and are often given during territorial disputes around flowering trees.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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