The Foja Melidectes is a spectacular and recently described species of honeyeater, endemic to the pristine Foja Mountains of West Papua. It stands out with its strikingly vibrant orange facial skin.
Where to spot
Endemic to the extremely remote and largely unexplored montane forests of the Foja Mountains in West Papua, Indonesia. Its habitat is characterized by undisturbed primary forest.
How to spot
Distinguish it by its exceptionally bright and extensive bare orange facial skin, which is more prominent than that of similar Melidectes species. It typically forages for nectar and insects in the forest canopy and subcanopy.
When to spot
Active during the day, like other honeyeaters. Given its incredibly remote and protected location, observation opportunities are exceedingly rare and require highly specialized expeditions.
Where to spot
Endemic to the extremely remote and largely unexplored montane forests of the Foja Mountains in West Papua, Indonesia. Its habitat is characterized by undisturbed primary forest.
How to spot
Distinguish it by its exceptionally bright and extensive bare orange facial skin, which is more prominent than that of similar Melidectes species. It typically forages for nectar and insects in the forest canopy and subcanopy.
When to spot
Active during the day, like other honeyeaters. Given its incredibly remote and protected location, observation opportunities are exceedingly rare and require highly specialized expeditions.
This species was first discovered by scientists in 2005 and formally described in 2007, making it one of the most significant ornithological discoveries of the 21st century.
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