The long-bearded honeyeater, is a bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane forest, forest edge, and shrubby secondary growth, where flowering plants are abundant. It frequently visits canopy and midstory blossoms as well as tangles at forest margins. The species adapts to disturbed highland habitats provided nectar sources remain, and may also glean insects from foliage. It is generally associated with cooler, moist mountain environments.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The long-bearded honeyeater is a New Guinea mountain bird in the honeyeater family (Meliphagidae), notable for the distinctive whitish, beard-like chin feathers that give it its name. It forages actively for nectar and small invertebrates, often at forest edges and flowering shrubs. Its vocalizations are loud and scolding, typical of New Guinea meliphagids.
Temperament
active and vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks around flowering trees. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation typical of honeyeaters. Territorial behavior increases when rich nectar sources are defended.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, scolding chatters and rasping notes interspersed with clearer whistles. Vocalizations carry well across forest edges and are used to communicate and advertise territories.
Plumage
Mostly sooty to blackish plumage with a contrasting, elongated tuft of pale chin feathers forming a ‘beard’. Feathers are sleek with minimal patterning aside from the facial plumes.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of mountain flowers, probing blossoms with its curved bill. Supplements its diet with small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Will also take small fruits when available, making it flexible in variable highland habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages at forest edges, along ridgelines, and in shrubby clearings where flowering plants are concentrated. Frequently visits midstory and canopy blooms and occasionally descends to understory shrubs in disturbed areas.
