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

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.

Diet

Feeds on nectar from a variety of forest flowers, using its long bill to probe corollas. Supplements nectar with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and bark. Also takes small amounts of soft fruit, especially when flowers are scarce.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the understory and midstory of humid forests, along edges, and near flowering trees and vines. Frequently visits flowering plants along streams, forest gaps, and secondary growth where blooms are abundant.