Cinnamon-browed Melidectes

The cinnamon-browed melidectes (Melidectes ochromelas) is a medium-sized honeyeater in the family Meliphagidae, endemic to the highlands of New Guinea, including both the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua and Papua New Guinea. It inhabits montane and subalpine forest, moss forest, and forest edge at elevations typically between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. The species is characterized by a cinnamon-rufous supercilium (eyebrow) stripe that contrasts with its otherwise brown and streaked plumage. Melidectes honeyeaters are large, robust birds that forage for nectar, fruit, and invertebrates in the forest canopy and subcanopy. The cinnamon-browed melidectes is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations across a wide elevational and geographic range in New Guinea's mountains. New Guinea is one of the world's greatest centers of bird diversity and endemism, particularly in highland habitats. The species is absent from Europe entirely; Norwegian database records are data entry artifacts. Montane forest in New Guinea remains relatively well intact compared to lowland forest, reducing immediate habitat loss pressures. Mining, road-building, and agricultural expansion at higher elevations are increasing threats. Honeyeaters play important roles as pollinators in New Guinea's montane plant communities.