White-throated Honeyeater

The White-throated Honeyeater, Melithreptus albogularis, is a small bird native to New Guinea and eastern and northern Australia. It measures between 11.5 to 14.5 cm in length and is characterized by its olive-green upperparts, which are yellower on the rump, and its white underparts. The head is black, adorned with a white or pale blue patch over the eye, and a distinctive white stripe across the nape.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-throated Honeyeater, look for the black bill, red-brown eyes, and purple-brown legs. The blue-white patch of bare skin over the eye is a key feature, along with the white throat and stripe across the nape.

Habitat

This species is found in a variety of habitats, including open, dry sclerophyll forests and savannah.

Distribution

The White-throated Honeyeater is distributed across New Guinea, northwestern Australia, the Northern Territory, Cape York, and central and southeastern Queensland.

Behaviour

The White-throated Honeyeater is known to forage for insects in foliage or canopy, often congregating in larger flocks.

Breeding

Breeding occurs throughout its range from July or August to December, or April in northwestern Australia. The species raises one or two broods a season. The nest is a sturdy cup-shaped structure made of bark and grasses, placed in the fork of a tree. The clutch typically consists of two pinkish eggs with brownish markings, each measuring 18 by 14 mm.

Similar Species

The White-throated Honeyeater can be confused with Gilbert's Honeyeater (Melithreptus chloropsis) due to the white eye-patch, but they do not share a range. The Eastern White-naped Honeyeater (M. lunatus) has a red eye-patch, which is a distinguishing feature.

Conservation status

The White-throated Honeyeater is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.