From Opus

Alternative names: Black-capped Honeyeater, the Black-cap or the King Island Honeyeater.

Melithreptus affinis

Photo by Pearly_Shells
Taken in Sth Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia

[edit] Identification

12-14cm

• Black head and throat
• Fine black bill
• Crescent-shaped bare skin over the eye, which is pale blue to white
• Olive-green to brown upperparts
• Off-white underbody

Immature birds - brown head and bill, faint yellow tinge to throat.

[edit] Distribution

Endemic to Tasmania

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 2 subspecies:

• M. a. affinis
• M. a. alisteri

Alisteri is not accepted by all authorities.

[edit] Habitat

Dry forests, usually below 1000 m, sometimes sub-alpine and alpine habitats up to 1200 m, dense shrubby understorey, wet forests, open woodlands, coastal heathland and areas of low shrubs. Occasionally in urban parks and gardens and in orchards.

[edit] Behaviour

Monogamous.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes insects, nectar and fruit.

[edit] References

1. Birds in Backyards

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID