The Seram friarbird, also known as the grey-necked friarbird, Ceram friarbird, grey-necked honeyeater and gray-necked honeyeater, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia where it occurs on Seram Island in the Maluku Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. They are common and conspicuous and often in small groups of up to four individuals.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and coastal areas of Seram, primarily in subtropical to tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests. It uses forest edges, riverine woodland, secondary growth, and coastal scrub where flowering trees are abundant. The species is often seen in mid- to upper-canopy but also descends to feed in gardens and plantations. It is common and conspicuous in suitable habitats across the island.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Seram Island in Indonesia, the Seram friarbird is a conspicuous honeyeater often seen in small, noisy groups. It feeds largely on nectar and likely acts as an important pollinator for flowering trees, while also taking insects and fruit. It adapts well to forest edges and mangroves and will sometimes visit village gardens with blooming trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Frequently travels in pairs or small groups of up to four, often defending rich flowering trees from other nectar-feeders. Likely monogamous, building a cup-shaped nest hidden among foliage. Both adults are thought to share parental duties, as in many friarbirds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, harsh chattering calls intermixed with nasal notes and repeated scolds. Vocalizations carry far through the canopy and are given frequently while foraging or when agitated.
Plumage
Dusky-brown to olive-brown upperparts with a paler gray neck and throat; underparts are grayish with lighter belly. Feathers appear plain overall with subtle contrast between the gray neck and browner back.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, supplementing with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes small fruits and berries, especially when blossoms are scarce. Its foraging likely contributes to pollination of native trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid- to upper-canopy of lowland forest, mangroves, and forest edges. Readily visits flowering trees in secondary growth, plantations, and village gardens.
