Lichmera flavicans
The Flame-eared Honeyeater (*Lichmera flavicans*) is a small, agile passerine endemic to New Caledonia, instantly recognizable by its distinctive 'flame-orange' or 'flame-yellow' ear patch, set against a backdrop of olive-green upperparts and pale greyish-white to yellowish underparts. Measuring approximately 13-17 cm in length and weighing around 10-15 grams, its slender, decurved black bill is perfectly adapted for probing into flowers to extract nectar. This vibrant ear patch serves as its...
Found in a variety of forested habitats, including humid primary and secondary forests, open woodlands, coastal scrub, and even suburban gardens and parks, from sea level up to montane elevations.
Primarily nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by insects (gleaned or hawked) and occasionally small fruits.
A highly active and diurnal species, the Flame-eared Honeyeater is often observed singly or in pairs, constantly flitting through vegetation in search of food. Its foraging strategies primarily involve probing flowers for nectar with its specialized bill, gleaning insects from foliage and bark, a...
The Flame-eared Honeyeater is strictly endemic to the archipelago of New Caledonia, including the main island of Grande Terre, the Isle of Pines, and the Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa). It is present throughout its range as a resident species, with no migratory movements. Its distributi...
Least Concern
- The Flame-eared Honeyeater is an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world except the islands of New Caledonia. - Its distinctive 'flame' ear patch gives it its common name and is its most recognizable feature. - Despite its small size, it is a crucial pollinator for many native plants i...