The olive straightbill is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in the highlands of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests across the central cordillera of New Guinea. It favors mossy forest, forest edges, and secondary growth with abundant flowering shrubs and epiphytes. Birds typically forage from the mid-story to the canopy, moving methodically through dense foliage. It occurs locally in fairly common numbers where habitat is intact, but can be scarce in heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The olive straightbill is a New Guinea honeyeater with a notably straight, slender bill adapted for probing flowers and mossy bark. It is generally quiet and unobtrusive, often overlooked as it forages in the mid to upper canopy. The species readily joins mixed-species flocks in montane forest, where it exploits a range of nectar and small arthropod resources.
Temperament
solitary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darts between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, it forages quietly through mid- to upper-level foliage. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks to exploit flowering trees and insect-rich patches. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed in dense vegetation, with typical honeyeater biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, consisting of thin tseep and tzik notes. It also gives short, simple phrases and contact calls when moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Plain olive-green overall with slightly paler, yellow-olive underparts and a clean, unmarked appearance.
Diet
Feeds on nectar from a variety of montane flowers and on small arthropods gleaned from leaves, bark, and epiphytes. It probes flowers with its straight bill and methodically searches mossy branches for insects and spiders. Small fruits and berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the mid to upper canopy of mossy montane forest, at edges, and in gaps with flowering shrubs. It also visits epiphyte-laden branches and occasionally descends to lower strata when food is abundant.
