The pygmy longbill or pygmy honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Melanocharitidae. It is one of two species in the genus Oedistoma, which also includes the spectacled longbill. It is found in New Guinea and adjacent islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
New Guinea and adjacent islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the lowland and hill forests of New Guinea, including some satellite islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland forest, edges, and selectively logged or secondary forest. The species often forages in the mid to upper canopy and along forest margins where flowering shrubs and vines are abundant. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and is frequently encountered near rivers and clearings with flowering trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the pygmy honeyeater, this tiny longbill is part of the New Guinea berrypecker and longbill family (Melanocharitidae). It forages quietly high in the forest, often joining mixed-species flocks and visiting blossoms for nectar as well as gleaning small insects. Despite its size, it ranges widely across New Guinea and nearby islands and adapts well to secondary growth.
Temperament
active and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. Breeding behavior is poorly documented but presumed to involve small cup nests placed in dense foliage. Pairs maintain small foraging areas and may follow flowering phenology.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is high-pitched and thin, with rapid, tinkling trills and short tsi-tsit notes. Calls can be insect-like and are easy to overlook amid forest background noise.
Plumage
Small, plain-looking longbill with olive-brown upperparts and paler grayish-olive underparts; subtly warmer or yellowish wash on the flanks in some birds. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, giving a sleek outline.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowers and gleans small insects and spiders from leaves and twigs. Also sips from flowering vines and shrubs and may take small soft fruits when available. Foraging is quick and deliberate, often involving hover-gleaning at blossoms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy and along forest edges where flowers are abundant. Often uses secondary growth, riverine vegetation, and flowering trees in clearings.
