The Seram honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs on Seram in the southern Maluku Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Found only on Seram, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. It frequents forest edges, ridgelines, and occasionally secondary growth with abundant flowering plants. The species forages from the understory to the mid-canopy, following blooms. It is most common where nectar sources are seasonally plentiful.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This honeyeater is restricted to the montane forests of Seram in Indonesia and is one of the island’s specialist nectar-feeders. By visiting flowering shrubs and trees, it likely plays a role in local plant pollination. It adapts to lightly disturbed forest and edges but remains tied to higher-elevation moist habitats. Its unobtrusive, olive-brown plumage makes it easy to overlook despite being fairly active.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Pairs maintain small feeding territories when blooms are concentrated. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed in dense foliage typical of honeyeaters, with biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of thin, nasal squeaks and sweet warbles, given from mid-level perches. Calls include sharp chip notes during foraging and soft contact calls between pair members.
Plumage
Mostly olive-brown above with paler grayish underparts showing faint streaking; feathers appear slightly shaggy on the throat when fluffed.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar from a variety of native flowering trees and shrubs. It supplements its diet with small arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark and occasionally takes soft fruits. Foraging methods include probing flowers, gleaning leaves, and short sallies to catch insects in flight.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in montane forests with abundant blossoms, especially along edges, ridges, and gaps where flowers are accessible. Often concentrates where trees are in peak bloom and may move locally to track nectar availability.
