The tawny straightbill is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable lowland rainforest across the island of New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. It favors intact and lightly disturbed moist lowland forests, but also uses tall secondary growth and riverine forest. Birds typically occupy the midstory to canopy, where flowering trees and arthropod-rich foliage are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized honeyeater of New Guinea’s lowland rainforests, the tawny straightbill uses its notably straight, slender bill to probe flowers and foliage. It frequently forages with mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through the midstory and canopy. Its calls are thin and high-pitched, often betraying its presence in dense foliage.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, agile dashes between branches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but commonly associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation. Breeding behavior is not well documented, but as with many honeyeaters, both parents likely attend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched seeps and tsee notes, delivered singly or in short sequences. Songs are modest and can be easily overlooked amid forest sounds, serving mostly for contact and territory maintenance.
Plumage
Mostly warm tawny-brown to olive-brown with paler, buffy underparts and a slightly paler throat. Wings and tail are darker brown; overall appearance is plain with subtle shading rather than bold patterns.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, probing blossoms with its straight bill. Supplements nectar with small arthropods gleaned from leaves, bark, and twigs. Also consumes soft fruits when available, making it an opportunistic omnivore.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of lowland rainforest, along forest edges, and in tall secondary growth. Often follows flowering events and areas with high insect activity.
