The mountain honeyeater, hill-forest honeyeater or mountain 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 forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across New Guinea from humid lowland rainforest to mossy montane forest, also using secondary growth and forest edges. It forages in the understory to mid-canopy, frequently along gaps, ridges, and streams. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and gardens near forest. Microhabitat use includes flowering trees, vine tangles, and foliage-rich midstory.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This New Guinea honeyeater is often confused with similar olive-toned Microptilotis species; its small yellow ear-spot and clear, piping calls are key clues. It helps pollinate forest plants by transferring pollen while probing flowers for nectar. Several subspecies vary subtly across elevations and regions. It adapts well to both lowland and montane rainforest edges and mid-canopy.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, undulating dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often joining mixed-species flocks when food is abundant. Territorial around rich nectar sources, but otherwise fairly tolerant of conspecifics. Builds a small, cup-shaped nest suspended from twigs or vines, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are clear, piping notes and thin, ringing whistles given in short series. Song phrases are simple but carry well through forest, aiding contact between mates.
Plumage
Mostly olive-green above with paler olive to grayish underparts and faint throat streaking; feathers are smooth and close-lying.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowers of rainforest trees and shrubs, probing with its slender bill. Supplements nectar with small arthropods gleaned from foliage, bark, and air, especially for protein. Also takes soft fruits and berries opportunistically. Seasonal peaks in flowering can concentrate foraging at certain trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy, especially along forest edges, clearings, and stream margins. Frequently visits flowering vines and canopy blossoms, and will descend to shrub layers when blooms are abundant.
