The sooty honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in the New Guinea Highlands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Central Range of New Guinea in both Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea, inhabiting subtropical to tropical moist montane and mossy cloud forests. It is common at forest edges, in secondary growth, and in shrubby clearings where flowering trees and epiphytes are abundant. The species also uses subalpine thickets and forest-fringe gardens in highland settlements. Local movements track seasonal flowering, and it readily visits edges and canopy gaps.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The sooty honeyeater is a New Guinea highlands specialist that often dominates flowering trees, aggressively defending nectar sources from other birds. It was formerly placed in the genus Melidectes but is now classified as Melionyx based on genetic studies. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and moves locally with blooms along forest edges and clearings.
Temperament
active and often pugnacious around flowers
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups, and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. It defends rich nectar sources and may chase other honeyeaters. Nest is typically a small cup placed in foliage; both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, metallic chips and chatter, interspersed with thin whistles. The song is a rapid series of piping notes and scolds, delivered from exposed perches near flowering trees.
Plumage
Mostly uniform sooty dark brown to blackish plumage with a slightly velvety texture; subtle paler fringing on some feathers may be visible at close range.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, including canopy blossoms and epiphytes. Supplements diet with small arthropods gleaned from foliage and taken in short sallies. It also consumes some soft fruits when available, especially in forest edges and secondary growth.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy at forest edges, in clearings, and along ridgelines where flowers are concentrated. Frequently visits flowering shrubs in gardens and disturbed montane woodland.
