The Tagula honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Tagula Island.
Region
Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Tagula (Sudest) Island, occupying lowland to foothill forests. It uses primary rainforest, secondary growth, forest edges, and occasionally gardens with flowering shrubs and trees. The species forages from understory to canopy, favoring areas with abundant blossoms. It will also exploit edge habitats and riparian corridors when nectar sources are available.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Tagula (Sudest) Island in the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea, this honeyeater is part of the Meliphagidae family. It frequently visits flowering trees and likely serves as an important local pollinator. Taxonomically it has been placed in or near the Meliphaga/Microptilotis complex, and resembles several olive honeyeaters found in New Guinea and Australia. Its soft, piping calls often reveal its presence before it is seen in the foliage.
Temperament
alert and active, somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and it may join mixed-species flocks when trees are flowering. Territorial around rich nectar sources, with brief chases to exclude intruders. Nesting is presumed to involve a small cup nest placed in shrubs or trees, as in related honeyeaters.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft, high-pitched piping notes interspersed with short chattering phrases. Calls are often delivered from within foliage and can be repetitive, serving to maintain contact between mates or family groups.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler olive to yellow-tinged underparts and a slightly whitish, sometimes faintly streaked throat. The head is dusky-olive with a subtle yellowish ear patch and pale gape line; wings and tail are darker olive-brown. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, suited to maneuvering through foliage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of native blossoms, probing flowers with its slender bill. Supplements its diet with small arthropods gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark, and occasionally hawks insects in short sallies. It may also take small fruits or sugary exudates when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering trees and shrubs from understory to canopy, especially along forest edges and in secondary growth. Will visit village gardens and disturbed sites when nectar resources are abundant.
