Alternative names: Black Honeyeater; Huon Honeyeater; Huon Melipotes
- Melipotes ater
Identification
28.5-31 cm. By far the largest honeyeater of the genus Melipotes.
- Almost wholly satin-black plumage
- Bold bright yellow circumorbital patch with lobes on lower lores at base of bill and behind and below lower rear edge of eye (yellow becomes red when bird agitated)
- Dusky grey chin and upper throat
- Bold white spotting on most of underparts, heaviest in centre of lower breast and belly
- Black or grey-black bill, rather stubby and slightly decurved
- Moderately long tail
Sexes similar, males probably larger than females. Juveniles undescribed.
Distribution
Endemic to the mountains of the Huon Peninsula in northeast New Guinea (Papua New Guinea).
A poorly known restricted-range species. Considered fairly common.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Forms a superspecies with Arfak Honeyeater, Smoky Honeyeater and Wattled Smoky Honeyeater.
Habitat
Found in montane forests and tall secondary growth.
Occurs from c. 1200 up to 3300m.
Behaviour
Diet
Not well known. Feeds probably mainly on fruit. Forages in the canopy or subcanopy of forest. A conspicuous species, mostly seen singly or in pairs. Less aggressive than other species from the genus.
Breeding
No information.
Movements
Presumably a sedentary species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2008. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13: Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553453
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Spangled Honeyeater. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 15 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Spangled_Honeyeater
