The white-streaked friarbird is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is monotypic within the genus Melitograis. It is endemic to Northern Maluku in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
North Maluku, Indonesia (Maluku Islands, Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the North Maluku archipelago, chiefly Halmahera and adjacent islands such as Morotai, Ternate, and Tidore. Occupies subtropical and tropical moist lowland and hill forests, mangroves, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also ventures into gardens and plantations where flowering trees are present. The species uses the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to lower strata to forage when flowers or insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A monotypic honeyeater, the white-streaked friarbird is the sole member of the genus Melitograis. It thrives from mangroves to montane forests and readily visits flowering trees, making it an important pollinator. It is fairly tolerant of habitat disturbance and can occur at forest edges and in secondary growth. Its loud, scratchy calls often reveal its presence before it is seen.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; strong flier across gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often defending flowering trees from other nectar feeders. Breeding pairs build a cup-shaped nest suspended from branches. They are vigilant and conspicuous around resources, chasing intruders with vigorous calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, scratchy series of chattering notes mixed with nasal whistles and harsh scolds. Calls carry far through the forest and are given frequently while foraging or during territorial disputes.
Plumage
Sooty- to grey-brown upperparts with pale, fine whitish streaking on the head, throat, and breast; underparts paler with streaks giving a washed, lined look. The face shows areas of bare dark skin typical of friarbirds, and the bill is long and decurved. Overall appearance is drab but with conspicuous white streaking on the underparts and throat.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native blossoms, supplementing with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes small fruits and occasionally sallying catches for flying insects. Its foraging helps pollinate flowering trees and shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- and upper canopy of forest, along edges, in secondary growth, and in mangroves. Will use gardens and plantations when flowering trees are available, often moving along ridgelines and river margins where blooms are concentrated.
