Long-bearded honeyeater
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Melionyx princeps

The long-bearded honeyeater (Melionyx princeps ), is a bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae.

This species was formerly placed in the genus Melidectes. It was moved to the resurrected genus Melionyx based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2019. At the same time the common name was changed from "long-bearded melidectes" to "long-bearded honeyeater".

Appearance

The long-bearded honeyeater is 27 cm long. It has a long, slender black bill and orange skin behind its eye. Its plumage is soot-black. It is distinguished from the similar sooty honeyeaters by its wispy white beard, which reaches the bend of its wing.

Distribution

Geography

Biogeographical realms

The honeyeater is endemic to Papua New Guinea, and is found only on Mt Giluwe, Mt Hagen, the Kubor Range, Mt Wilhelm, Mt Michael and in the Kaijende Highlands of Enga Province, 70 km NW of Mt Hagen. Its range is about 19,000 km2. It lives at high altitudes in shrubland, grassland or moist forest.

Habits and Lifestyle

The honeyeaters inhabit the tree canopies, eating nectar, fruit and insects. They feed in pairs or small groups. They nest in June and July. The voice is unrecorded.

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior

References

1. Long-bearded honeyeater Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-bearded_honeyeater
2. Long-bearded honeyeater on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22704264/132071653

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About