Smoky Honeyeater
NameSmoky Honeyeater
Common NameSmoky Honeyeater
Scientific NameMelipotes fumigatus
FamilyMeliphagidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsOverall dark sooty-grey to blackish plumage with a slightly paler belly. The most distinctive feature is the large, bare, fleshy orange-yellow patch around the eye, which can swell and turn reddish. It has a dark bill and dark legs.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of loud, ringing 'whip-whip-whip' notes, often interspersed with 'chup' or 'chup-chup' calls, and sometimes a clear 'weee-weee-weee' whistle.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the central highlands and montane regions of New Guinea, primarily found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesDark sooty-grey plumage, Large, bare, fleshy orange-yellow eye-patch, Medium size, Slightly decurved dark bill
Description
The Smoky Honeyeater is a medium-sized, dark-plumaged bird endemic to the montane forests of New Guinea. It is characterized by a striking bare, fleshy orange-yellow patch around its eye, which can change color when the bird is excited. This species primarily forages for nectar, fruit, and insects in the canopy and subcanopy.
