Philemon diemenensis
The New Caledonian Friarbird, *Philemon undulatus*, is a medium-sized passerine bird endemic to the islands of New Caledonia, belonging to the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. Measuring approximately 28-33 cm in length and weighing around 80-120 grams, it is characterized by its largely plain grey-brown upperparts and paler, somewhat streaky underparts. Its most distinctive field marks are the large, bare, dark facial skin around the eye and ear, which gives it a 'monastic' appearance, and a p...
This friarbird inhabits a variety of forest types, woodlands, savannas, and even disturbed areas such as gardens and plantations, from coastal lowlands to montane forests.
Primarily nectivorous, consuming nectar from a wide range of flowering trees and shrubs, supplemented significantly with insects (arthropods), and occasionally fruits or small vertebrates.
New Caledonian Friarbirds are diurnal, spending their active hours foraging, often in the upper and middle canopies of trees, and roosting in dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy is diverse, involving probing flowers for nectar, gleaning insects from leaves and bark, and sallying to ca...
The New Caledonian Friarbird is strictly endemic to the French territory of New Caledonia, inhabiting both the main island of Grande Terre and several of the Loyalty Islands. On Grande Terre, it is widely distributed throughout all provinces, from the northern tip to the southern regions, favorin...
Least Concern
- The New Caledonian Friarbird is an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world outside of New Caledonia. - Its common name, 'Friarbird,' refers to its bare, often dark-skinned head, which is thought to resemble a friar's cowl. - Males typically possess a more pronounced, undulating knob or...