The orange-cheeked honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is monotypic within the genus Oreornis. It is endemic to West Papua, Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea (West Papua)
Typical Environment
Endemic to montane forests of western New Guinea, particularly the Vogelkop/Bird's Head and adjacent ranges. It inhabits subtropical to tropical moist montane and mossy forests, forest edges, and gaps with abundant flowering plants. Birds typically use mid-story to subcanopy strata and occasionally venture into secondary growth bordering primary forest. It is patchily distributed but can be locally numerous where nectar sources are plentiful.
Altitude Range
1200–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This monotypic honeyeater is confined to the mountains of West Papua, Indonesia, where it frequents mossy montane forest. It forages methodically in the mid-story, visiting flowering shrubs and trees and gleaning small arthropods. It is often detected by its bright orange cheek patch and thin, piping calls. Because of its narrow range, it can be locally common where habitat remains intact.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory and mid-story
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often associates loosely with mixed-species flocks. Likely maintains small territories around rich flowering patches. Nesting is presumed to be a cup placed in dense vegetation typical of honeyeaters, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched piping notes interspersed with soft chattering. Calls carry through the forest mid-story but are not especially loud, often given while foraging.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with slightly paler, gray-olive underparts and subtle streaking on the breast. Face shows a distinct, bright orange patch on the cheek set against duskier ear-coverts. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, giving a tidy appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, probing blossoms with its slender, slightly decurved bill. Supplements its diet with small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, bark, and twigs. Will also take small berries when available, especially during periods of reduced flowering.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-story and subcanopy of montane and mossy forest, as well as at forest edges and along ridgelines where flowering plants are concentrated. Frequently visits natural gaps and secondary growth that provide seasonal nectar resources.
