The Smoky Melidectes is a relatively dark-plumaged honeyeater found in the higher montane forests of New Guinea. Its dusky appearance helps it blend into the shadowed understory.
Where to spot
Occurs in the montane forests of New Guinea, generally at higher elevations (above 2,000 meters) than the Common Melidectes. It can be found in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua.
How to spot
Look for its overall dark, smoky-grey to olive-brown plumage and a smaller, often less conspicuous, patch of bare orange facial skin. It can be elusive, often foraging quietly in the forest canopy or mid-story for nectar and small insects.
When to spot
Best observed during daylight hours. It is a resident species, so observation is possible year-round within its high-altitude forest habitat.
Where to spot
Occurs in the montane forests of New Guinea, generally at higher elevations (above 2,000 meters) than the Common Melidectes. It can be found in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua.
How to spot
Look for its overall dark, smoky-grey to olive-brown plumage and a smaller, often less conspicuous, patch of bare orange facial skin. It can be elusive, often foraging quietly in the forest canopy or mid-story for nectar and small insects.
When to spot
Best observed during daylight hours. It is a resident species, so observation is possible year-round within its high-altitude forest habitat.
Unlike its more colorful relatives, the subdued plumage of the Smoky Melidectes is an adaptation for camouflage in the often misty and dark cloud forests it inhabits.
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