The scaly-crowned honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on multiple islands across the Lesser Sundas, occupying subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It is common along forest edges, in secondary forest, and in mixed scrub where flowering plants are abundant. The species also visits plantations and village gardens, especially where native trees and shrubs persist. It tends to be more numerous in areas with a continuous supply of blossoms throughout the year.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This honeyeater is confined to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and is named for the fine, scale-like patterning on its crown feathers. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs, where it laps nectar with a brush-tipped tongue and also gleans small insects. It adapts well to forest edges and secondary growth, so it can persist in moderately altered landscapes. Its steady presence across several islands currently keeps it out of major conservation concern.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may join loose foraging groups at productive flowering trees. Builds a small cup nest suspended from a fork or outer branch, often well concealed among leaves. Both sexes participate in territory defense around nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, tinkling notes interspersed with sharper chips and chatters. Calls are frequent while foraging and can intensify during territorial interactions.
Plumage
Olive-brown to grey-brown upperparts with a subtly scaled crown created by pale-edged feather tips; underparts pale greyish with light streaking or wash. Texture is sleek with modest gloss on the head. The tail and wings are darker with lighter edging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of native flowering trees and shrubs, using a brush-tipped tongue to lap nectar. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. Will also take soft fruits when available, especially in forest edges and gardens.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper-canopy of forests, edges, and secondary growth. Common around flowering trees in village gardens and mixed agroforestry where native plants persist.
