Brown-backed Honeyeater
Ramsayornis modestus
EndemicStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Brown-backed Honeyeater (*Ramsayornis modestus*) is a small, energetic bird found along the far northeastern coast of Australia and in New Guinea. It is recognised for its brown upperparts and contrasting white underparts, with a pinkish bill and a thin white line running beneath the eye. This species is commonly seen darting through flowering trees near water in coastal habitats
Fun Facts
Brown-backed Honeyeaters build intricate, pendulous dome nests, often hanging above water for protection.
1. Pinkish bill with a thin white facial stripe.
2. Brown upperparts contrasting with white underparts.
3. Frequently seen in flowering trees near water, moving quickly between branches.
Brown-backed Honeyeaters feed mainly on nectar from flowering trees, especially paperbarks, and also consume insects. They often nest in small groups, building elongated, dome-shaped nests with a hooded side entrance, typically suspended from branches above water. Breeding occurs mostly during the dry season, with females laying 1–3 eggs per clutch. Their energetic foraging and social nesting habits make them a lively presence in their habitats.
This honeyeater inhabits coastal regions of far northeastern Australia, especially Cape York Peninsula, and extends into New Guinea. Look for them in mangrove forests, paperbark thickets, and woodlands near wetlands-particularly where trees overhang water. They are most active in the morning, foraging in the outer foliage of flowering trees.
Physical Attributes
Height
13 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds12%
Habitat
No habitat information available
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