Brown-backed Honeyeater

Overview

The Brown-backed honeyeater (Ramsayornis modestus) is a small bird in the family Meliphagidae found in New Guinea and the Cape York Peninsula of Queensland, Australia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small in size, measuring around 11–12 cm in length and weighing 11–14 g.
• Features a brown back with brown streaks across a white chest and belly, along with a red bill.
• Calls include a rapid 'mick, mick' and a chattering 'shee-shee'.

Habitat

Found in a wide variety of tropical or subtropical habitats near water in coastal areas, including open grassy woodlands, swamps, rainforests, mangroves, and gardens. Its range covers the coast of Far North Queensland, the Torres Strait islands, and New Guinea, where it is partly resident and nomadic.

Diet

Feeds on small insects found in foliage and in flight, as well as nectar when available.

Did you know?

Unlike similar species that migrate across the Torres Strait, it is partly resident and nomadic, tending to stay in the same area year-round but travelling depending on environmental factors such as food availability and rainfall.