The mimic honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is widely spread throughout New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea and nearby Papuan islands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the island of New Guinea in lowland to lower montane zones. It frequents primary and secondary moist forests, forest edges, riverine forest, and mangroves, and also ventures into gardens and plantations near forest. The species moves through mid- to upper-canopy strata, visiting flowering trees and shrubs. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided flowering resources remain available. In montane areas it uses mossy and mixed montane forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small honeyeater of New Guinea’s forests, it follows flowering cycles and can be conspicuous around nectar-rich trees. It often joins mixed-species flocks and moves quickly through the canopy. Its varied, ringing calls can resemble those of other honeyeaters, which likely inspired its common name. By visiting blossoms, it helps pollinate a range of native plants.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between flowering trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups, and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Forages restlessly through foliage and blossoms, often defending a favored nectar source briefly before moving on. Nest is a small cup placed in a fork or suspended from twigs; both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of clear whistles, chattering notes, and thin piping calls. Vocalizations carry well through the forest and may resemble those of other small honeyeaters. Calls are delivered frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Mostly olive to olive-brown above with yellow-olive underparts and slightly paler throat. Subtle pale crescent or spot behind the ear coverts, with faint yellow edging to wing feathers. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, unpatterned look overall.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, probing blossoms with its slender bill. Also takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage or snapped from the air, especially when feeding young. Will occasionally consume soft fruits and honeydew.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- and upper-canopy of moist forest, edges, and mangroves, and also visits gardens with flowering ornamentals. Concentrations occur where trees are in heavy bloom.
