Meliphaga chrysogenys
The Orange-cheeked Honeyeater (Meliphaga chrysogenys) is a vibrant, medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 15-18 cm in length with a weight ranging from 18 to 25 grams. Its plumage features olive-green to greenish-grey upperparts, subtly contrasting with paler, off-white underparts that may display a yellowish wash on the flanks and vent. The most distinctive field mark is a bright, striking orange patch adorning each cheek, set against a faint dark eye-stripe, which gives the species it...
This species primarily inhabits dense eucalypt forests, woodlands, and riparian vegetation zones, often favoring areas with a diverse understory of flowering shrubs. It is typically found at mid-elevations, from sea level up to 1000 meters.
The primary diet consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, especially eucalypts, banksias, and grevilleas, supplemented extensively with insects, spiders, and occasionally small fruits.
The Orange-cheeked Honeyeater is a highly active and diurnal species, constantly moving through the foliage as it forages, and roosting communally in dense shrubbery or tree canopies at night. Its foraging strategy centers on gleaning insects and spiders from leaves and bark, alongside extensive ...
The Orange-cheeked Honeyeater is endemic to eastern Australia, with its primary distribution stretching across the coastal and sub-coastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales. Its range extends from the tropical Atherton Tableland in northern Queensland, southwards along the Great Dividing ...
Least Concern
- Its scientific epithet 'chrysogenys' is derived from Greek, meaning 'golden-cheeked', perfectly describing its most striking feature. - Despite its relatively small size, the Orange-cheeked Honeyeater is known for its aggressive territorial defense against other honeyeater species at prime fora...