The Kimberley honeyeater is a bird in the honeyeater family, Meliphagidae. It was formerly lumped with the white-lined honeyeater but, based on a genetic analysis, it is now considered a separate species. Articles published in 2014 and 2015 provided evidence that the Kimberley and white-lined honeyeaters differ not only genetically, but also in song and foraging ecology. The specific epithet honours the Australian chemist and ornithologist Dr Julian Ralph Ford (1932-1987).
Region
Northwestern Australia
Typical Environment
Found across the Kimberley’s sandstone escarpments, gorges, and adjacent eucalypt woodlands. It also uses riparian corridors with paperbark and pandanus, and pockets of monsoon vine thicket. Birds track flowering events of eucalypts, grevilleas, and melaleucas. Habitat is typically rugged, rocky country interspersed with open woodland and savanna.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the rugged Kimberley of Western Australia, this honeyeater was split from the White-lined Honeyeater after genetic, vocal, and ecological studies in 2014–2015. Its specific epithet honors Australian chemist and ornithologist Dr Julian Ralph Ford. It frequents flowering eucalypts and sandstone gorges where it forages for nectar and insects. Its song differs noticeably from its former conspecific, aiding identification.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often defending rich flowering trees from other honeyeaters. Nests are small cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or trees. Breeding likely aligns with peak flowering and the late dry to early wet season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, ringing series of whistles and trills with clear, repeated phrases. Pace and pitch differ from the White-lined Honeyeater, providing a useful field cue.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, grayish underparts and a slightly yellow-olive wash on the wings and flanks; feathers are smooth and close-fitting.
Diet
Takes nectar from eucalypts, melaleucas, grevilleas, and other flowering shrubs and trees. Also gleans insects and spiders from foliage and bark, and occasionally hawks small flying insects. Will supplement with small fruits when available. Foraging intensity tracks local flowering peaks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-story to canopy of open eucalypt woodland, along rocky escarpments, and in riparian zones. Often visits flowering trees on cliff tops and gorge margins.
