Meliphaga gracilis
The Graceful Honeyeater, *Meliphaga gracilis*, is a small, agile passerine endemic to Australia and New Guinea, recognized for its slender build and olive-green plumage. Measuring typically 13-16 cm in length and weighing 10-18 grams, it features greenish-yellow upperparts that fade to a paler greenish-yellow on its underparts. Key identification marks include a conspicuous bright yellow gape-stripe extending to a small, often subtle, pale yellow ear-tuft, along with a pale, sometimes whitish...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical moist forests, rainforests, mangroves, and woodlands, often in riparian zones or coastal areas. They inhabit elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1000 meters.
Primarily nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by insects and spiders. They also consume small fruits and berries.
Graceful Honeyeaters are highly active and restless birds, typically observed singly or in pairs, though small groups may congregate at abundant food sources. Their daily activity spans from dawn to dusk, foraging arboreally within the canopy and understory, and roosting in dense foliage overnigh...
The Graceful Honeyeater is a resident species, with a geographic distribution spanning parts of eastern and northeastern Australia, as well as southern New Guinea. In Australia, its range extends from northeastern New South Wales, northward through coastal and sub-coastal Queensland, reaching the...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'gracilis' directly translates to 'slender' or 'graceful,' accurately describing its delicate build and agile movements. - Graceful Honeyeaters are vital pollinators, playing a crucial role in the reproductive cycles of many native Australian and New Guinean plant species by...