The white-lined honeyeater is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to northern Australia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It formerly included the Kimberley honeyeater as a subspecies.
Region
Northern Australia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Northern Territory’s Top End, it is most characteristic of the Arnhem Land plateau and adjacent escarpments. It frequents patches of monsoon vine forest, riparian thickets, and woodland edges within sandstone gorges and valleys. Birds also use adjacent eucalypt woodlands when flowering resources are abundant. Occupancy is patchy, tracking flowering events and the availability of sheltered, moist microhabitats.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-lined honeyeater is confined to the Top End of the Northern Territory, especially the Arnhem Land escarpments and nearby monsoon forests. It was formerly lumped with the Kimberley honeyeater but is now treated as a separate species based on differences in voice and range. It is a vocal, territorial bird whose loud, ringing songs carry across sandstone gorges.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. Strongly territorial during the breeding season, with frequent song from prominent perches. Builds a small cup nest suspended in dense foliage; both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of loud, clear, ringing whistles and phrases delivered from exposed lookouts on cliffs or tall trees. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes when alarmed or defending resources.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler grey-olive underparts and a slightly paler throat; feathering is smooth and close. The face shows crisp white linear markings contrasting with the dusky-olive facial area. Wings and tail are dusky olive-brown with subtle edging.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowering eucalypts, grevilleas, and other native blossoms, often defending rich sources. Supplements with arthropods gleaned from foliage, bark, and air, especially when nectar is scarce. Also consumes some fruits and honeydew opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riparian strips, and within monsoon vine thickets where flowering plants are concentrated. Frequently forages in the mid to upper canopy and among flowering shrubs in sandstone gullies.
