The silver-eared honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in coastal and estuarine mangrove forests, especially along tidal creeks, deltas, and sheltered bays. It also uses adjacent pandanus stands, beach scrub, and coastal woodland edges where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. Birds occasionally venture into nearby village gardens and plantations near the coast. The species tracks seasonal flowering within mangroves and will range locally to exploit blooms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This New Guinea honeyeater is closely tied to coastal mangrove habitats and is often one of the most conspicuous nectar-feeders there. Its bright silvery-white ear patch contrasts with a dusky face, making it easy to pick out among mangrove foliage. It frequently defends flowering trees from other nectar feeders and supplements nectar with small insects. The species is considered secure where mangroves remain intact.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, and in small family groups when food is plentiful. It defends rich nectar sources but may join mixed-species foraging flocks along mangrove edges. The nest is a small, suspended cup placed in low vegetation near water. Both adults participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of thin whistles, metallic chinks, and chattering phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls accelerate when chasing intruders from flowering trees.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler, lightly streaked underparts and a whitish throat. Face is dusky with a conspicuous silvery-white ear patch. Feathers are sleek and slightly glossy on the head; overall pattern is plain with subtle streaking below.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from mangrove blossoms such as Avicennia, Sonneratia, Rhizophora, and Bruguiera. Also takes small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and caught on short sallies. Will consume soft fruits and honeydew opportunistically. Its brush-tipped tongue aids efficient nectar extraction.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and midstory of mangroves, especially at edges and along tidal channels. It also visits flowering shrubs in adjacent coastal scrub and village gardens.
