Melionyx princeps
The Long-bearded Honeyeater (*Melionyx princeps*) is a striking, large passerine endemic to the high-altitude regions of New Guinea, instantly recognizable by its eponymous and prominent yellow to whitish 'beard' – a collection of elongated, drooping ear-tufts that frame its face. Averaging 27-31 cm in length and weighing around 80-100 grams, its plumage is predominantly glossy black, contrasting sharply with bright yellow wing panels, a vivid red eye, and stout grey legs. There is no signifi...
This specialized honeyeater inhabits montane forests, subalpine grasslands, shrublands, and heathlands, typically found at elevations ranging from 2,800 to 4,000 meters above sea level.
Its diet primarily consists of nectar, supplemented by a significant intake of insects, particularly spiders and beetles, which it gleans from foliage or catches in flight, and occasionally small fruits.
The Long-bearded Honeyeater is a diurnal and generally solitary or paired species, though it may occasionally gather in small groups at rich flowering sources. It forages actively, moving deliberately through vegetation, probing flowers for nectar, gleaning insects from foliage and bark, and some...
The Long-bearded Honeyeater is endemic to the Central Cordillera of New Guinea, a mountain range that traverses the island from west to east. Its distribution is restricted to the higher altitudes of this formidable range, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, and Pa...
Least Concern
- The Long-bearded Honeyeater is a true highlander, rarely found below 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) and often seen above 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), thriving in New Guinea's challenging subalpine environments. - Its iconic 'beard' is actually an elaborate pair of elongated ear-tufts, which can be se...