The mottle-breasted honeyeater, also known as the spot-breasted meliphaga, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found throughout New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the island of New Guinea, in both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, hill forests, and lower montane forests, and is also found along forest edges and in secondary growth. It forages from understory to mid-canopy, often following flowering trees and shrubs. The species also appears in riverine woodland and occasionally in gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This honeyeater is widespread across New Guinea and frequents both lowland and montane forests, where it forages methodically through foliage. Its mottled underparts and subtle yellow ear area help separate it from similar Microptilotis honeyeaters. It readily joins mixed-species flocks and adapts well to secondary growth and edges. Despite being common in suitable habitat, it is often overlooked due to its inconspicuous plumage.
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Territorial near rich flowering resources but otherwise tolerant of other small insectivores and nectarivores. Builds a small cup nest suspended in foliage; breeding timing varies locally across New Guinea.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are a series of sharp chips, buzzy twitters, and slightly nasal notes delivered from mid-canopy perches. The song is a loose, chattering sequence with repeated phrases, often intermixed with scolds when agitated.
Plumage
Olive-green to brownish-olive upperparts with paler, mottled underparts; the breast and flanks show fine pale spots and streaks giving a mottle-breasted look. Subtle yellowish wash around the ear coverts and along the gape, with a faint pale malar stripe. Underparts are grayish to buff with irregular whitish mottling; wings and tail are dusky with olive edges.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, probing blossoms with its slender bill. Also gleans small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders from foliage and bark. Supplements diet with soft fruits and berries when available, especially in edge and secondary habitats.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edge, secondary growth, and along river corridors, moving through the understory and mid-canopy. Often follows flowering Myrtaceae and other nectar sources, and may visit gardens adjacent to forest.
