Long-billed honeyeater

The long-billed honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is monotypic within the genus Melilestes.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea and surrounding islands

Typical Environment

Found widely in New Guinea across both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea, with occurrences on some nearby islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland and hill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. The species forages in the understory to midstory and along forest streams and paths. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats but remains most common in intact forest.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size20–25 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.06 kg

Female Weight0.055 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The long-billed honeyeater is the sole member of the genus Melilestes, making it a distinctive lineage within the honeyeater family. Its long, decurved bill is adapted for probing flowers for nectar as well as gleaning insects from foliage. It is a shy, forest-dwelling bird most often detected by its sharp calls rather than by sight.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and somewhat skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with direct, darting flights between cover

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are likely small cups placed in dense vegetation or low branches. Both sexes are thought to participate in parental care, as in many honeyeaters.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include sharp, metallic chips and thin whistles delivered from within cover. The song is a simple series of repeated notes, interspersed with scolding calls when disturbed.

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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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