The white-throated honeyeater is a bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to New Guinea and eastern and northern Australia. It is 11.5 to 14.5 cm long, olive-green above and white below, with a black head, a white or pale blue patch over the eye, and a white stripe across the nape.
Region
Australasia (New Guinea and northern to eastern Australia)
Typical Environment
Found from New Guinea through northern Australia to eastern coastal and subcoastal Queensland, locally into the east. Occupies open eucalypt woodlands, monsoon forests, riparian corridors, and paperbark swamps, and also uses edges of mangroves and rainforest. Frequently forages in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to shrub layers when flowering is heavy. Tolerates lightly modified habitats such as parks and open plantations where native trees are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small honeyeater often travels with mixed-species flocks, especially around flowering eucalypts and paperbarks. It can be confused with the White-naped Honeyeater, but the bold white nape band and white throat help distinguish it. Pairs defend small nesting territories during the breeding season, weaving delicate cup nests with spider silk.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting moves through canopy
Social Behavior
Often forms small groups and joins mixed-species foraging flocks, especially around flowering trees. Breeding pairs hold small territories and build cup-shaped nests suspended from fine branchlets using bark fibers and spider web. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, tinkling notes and soft chips, interspersed with rapid scolding trills when agitated. Song is simple and repetitive, carrying well through open woodland.
