The Tanimbar friarbird is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to the Kai and Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Kai and Tanimbar Islands, inhabiting lowland tropical forests, forest edges, mangroves, and wooded gardens. It frequents flowering trees and fruiting shrubs, and readily uses secondary growth and coconut plantations. Most activity is in the canopy and midstory, but it also forages along edges and clearings. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and is often seen near villages.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized honeyeater, the Tanimbar friarbird is notable for its somewhat bare, dark facial skin and strong, slightly decurved bill. It often dominates flowering trees, chasing off smaller nectar feeders. Despite its restricted range, it adapts well to secondary growth and village gardens. Its name reflects its occurrence on the Kai and Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia.
Temperament
assertive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Territorial around rich nectar sources and may aggressively exclude other birds. Nest is a cup suspended from branches, with both parents attending. Occasionally joins mixed-species flocks when foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes loud, nasal chattering notes, scolds, and clear whistles. Calls are often delivered from exposed perches at dawn and intermittently through the day.
Plumage
Generally gray-brown above with paler, lightly streaked underparts and a somewhat scruffy throat. Face shows areas of bare dark skin with short bristle-like feathers, giving a ‘leathered’ look. Feathers are plain with subtle streaking, lacking bold wing bars.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, also consuming fruits and berries. Supplements with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Will hawk flying insects on occasion and probes blossoms for nectar. Opportunistic at village plantings and plantations when flowers are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the canopy and midstory of forests, edges, and mangroves. Common in secondary growth, coconut groves, and gardens where flowering trees are present.
