Melidectes ochromelas
The Cinnamon-browed Melidectes (Melidectes ochromelas) is a striking medium-sized honeyeater, typically measuring 20-22 cm (8-8.7 inches) in length and weighing between 40-50 grams. Its plumage is predominantly dark and sooty-brown, offering a stark contrast to its most distinctive field marks: a prominent, vivid cinnamon-rufous supercilium (eyebrow) that extends behind its pale yellow eye, and a matching cinnamon malar stripe. A small, usually less conspicuous bare patch of skin often exists...
This species primarily inhabits montane cloud forests, mossy forests, and their edges, thriving at elevations generally between 1,200 and 2,800 meters above sea level.
Its diet primarily consists of nectar, supplemented significantly by insects such as small beetles, flies, and spiders, with some fruit also consumed opportunistically.
The Cinnamon-browed Melidectes is a diurnal bird, actively foraging throughout the day and likely roosting in dense forest foliage at night. It employs a versatile foraging strategy, primarily probing flowers for nectar but also actively gleaning insects from foliage and occasionally catching the...
The Cinnamon-browed Melidectes is endemic to the mountainous regions of the island of New Guinea, spanning both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. Its distribution covers major central mountain ranges including the Snow Mountains (Pegunungan Maoke), Star Mountains, Prince Alexander Mountains,...
Least Concern
- The 'cinnamon brow' for which it is named is one of the most striking facial markings among New Guinean honeyeaters. - It is one of several honeyeater species endemic to the island of New Guinea. - Despite its dark plumage, its pale yellow eye is a prominent and distinguishing feature. - This s...