The Manus friarbird or white-naped friarbird, also known as the chauka is a species of bird in the Honeyeater family, or Meliphagidae. It is endemic to the Manus Province of Papua New Guinea.
Region
Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Endemic to Manus Island and nearby islets, it occupies lowland and hill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and coconut groves. It commonly visits village gardens and plantations where flowering and fruiting trees are abundant. The species adapts well to lightly disturbed habitats and often forages in the mid- to upper canopy. Mangrove margins and coastal thickets are also used where available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known locally as the chauka, the Manus friarbird is a cultural emblem of Manus Island and is famed for its punctual dawn and dusk calls that residents use to tell time. It readily frequents villages and gardens, showing little fear of humans. Its strong, curved bill and brush-tipped tongue are adapted for taking nectar as well as small invertebrates.
Temperament
territorial and vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. It defends flowering trees aggressively from other nectar feeders. The nest is a suspended cup placed in foliage; both parents participate in care. It often forages near human habitation and may become accustomed to people.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing phrases with repetitive, chiming notes; the signature call resembles “chau-ka” and carries far. Also gives harsh scolds and chatters when agitated, with increased vocal activity at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Mostly grey-brown to olive-brown above with paler greyish underparts and a distinct white nape forming a collar. The face shows darker, slightly bare skin around the lores and a dusky mask; feathers are sleek rather than fluffy. Flight feathers are darker brown with subtle contrast.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of blossoms using a brush-tipped tongue, including native flowering trees and cultivated plants. Supplements nectar with insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. Also consumes soft fruits such as figs and berries, and may probe for arthropods in flower clusters.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- and upper canopy of forest edges, secondary woodland, and gardens. Regularly visits coconut, banana, and ornamental flowering trees around villages. Will exploit seasonal blooms and fruiting trees along roadsides and plantations.
