Honeyeater
209876
224841166
2008-07-10T17:33:41Z
Nicolás10
5633280
<!-- extinct species should be added -->{{Taxobox
| name = Honeyeaters
| image = Easternspinebill.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = [[Eastern Spinebill]], ''Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris''
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Bird|Aves]]
| ordo = [[Passeriformes]]
| subordo = [[Passeri]]
| superfamilia = [[Meliphagoidea]]
| familia = '''Meliphagidae'''
| familia_authority = [[Nicholas Aylward Vigors|Vigors]], 1825
| subdivision_ranks = Genera<ref>as listed in Sibley & Monroe 1990</ref>
| subdivision =
*''[[Acanthagenys]]''
*''[[Acanthorhynchus]]''
*''[[Anthochaera]]''
*''[[Anthornis]]''
*''[[Ashbyia]]''
*''[[Certhionyx]]''<ref name=Driskell2>Recent molecular phylogenetic work by Driskell & Christidis 2004, indicates this genus is non-monophyletic and will undergo taxonomic revision in the near future.</ref>
*''[[Kioea| Chaetoptila]]''†
*''[[Conopophila]]''
*''[[Entomyzon]]''
*''[[Epthianura]]''
*''[[Foulehaio]]''
*''[[Glycichaera]]''
*''[[Grantiella]]''
*''[[Guadalcanaria]]''
*''[[Gymnomyza]]''
*''[[Lichenostomus]]''
*''[[Lichmera]]''
*''[[Macgregoria]]''
*''[[Manorina]]''
*''[[Melidectes]]''
*''[[Melilestes]]''
*''[[Meliphaga]]''
*''[[Melipotes]]''
*''[[Melithreptus]]''<!-- Emu100:324 -->
*''[[Melitograis]]''
*''[[Moho (genus)|Moho]]''†
*''[[Myza]]''
*''[[Myzomela]]''
*''[[Oreornis]]''
*''[[Philemon (genus)|Philemon]]''
*''[[Phylidonyris]]''<ref name=Driskell>Recent molecular phylogenetic work by Driskell & Christidis 2004, indicates this genus is non-monophyletic and will undergo taxonomic revision in the near future.</ref>
*''[[Plectorhyncha]]''
*''[[Prosthemadera]]''
*''[[Ptiloprora]]''
*''[[Pycnopygius]]''
*''[[Ramsayornis]]''
*''[[Stresemannia]]''
*''[[Timeliopsis]]''
*''[[Trichodere]]''
*''[[Xanthomyza]]''<ref name=Christids>Recent molecular phylogenetic work by Driskell & Christidis 2004, indicates ''Xanthomyza phrygia'' is contained within the genus ''Anthochaera'' and this species will be listed as ''Anthochaera phrygia'' in the next species list of Australian birds (L. Christids, pers. comm.)</ref>
*''[[Xanthotis]]''
}}
The '''honeyeaters''' are a large and diverse family of small to medium sized birds most common in [[Australia]] and [[New Guinea]], but also found in [[New Zealand]], the [[Pacific]] islands as far east as [[Hawaii]], and the islands to the north and west of New Guinea known as [[Wallacea]]. [[Bali]], on the other side of the [[Wallace Line]], has a single species.
Honeyeaters and the Australian '''chats''' make up the [[family (biology)|family]] '''Meliphagidae'''. In total there are 182 [[species]] in 42 [[genus|genera]], roughly half of them native to Australia, many of the remainder occupying New Guinea. With their closest relatives, the [[Maluridae]] (Australian fairy-wrens), [[Pardalotidae]] (pardalotes), and [[Acanthizidae]] (thornbills, Australian warblers, scrubwrens, etc) they comprise the superfamily [[Meliphagoidea]] and originated early in the evolutionary history of the [[oscine]] [[passerine]] radiation.<ref>Barker ''et al.'' 2004</ref>
Although honeyeaters look and behave very much like other nectar-feeding [[passerine]]s around the world (such as the [[sunbird]]s and [[flowerpecker]]s), they are unrelated, and the similarities are the consequence of [[convergent evolution]].
The extent of the evolutionary partnership between honeyeaters and [[Australian flora|Australasian flowering plants]] is unknown, but probably substantial. A great many Australian plants are fertilised by honeyeaters, particularly the [[Proteaceae]], [[Myrtaceae]], and [[Epacridaceae]]. It is known that the honeyeaters are important in New Zealand as well, and assumed that the same applies in other areas.
==Characteristics==
Unlike the [[hummingbird]]s of America, honeyeaters do not have extensive adaptations for hovering flight, though smaller members of the family do hover hummingbird-style to collect nectar from time to time. In general, honeyeaters prefer to flit quickly from perch to perch in the outer foliage, stretching up or sideways or hanging upside down at need. Many genera have a highly developed brush-tipped tongue, longer in some species than others, frayed and fringed with bristles which soak up liquids readily. The tongue is flicked rapidly and repeatedly into a flower, the upper mandible then compressing any liquid out when the bill is closed.
In addition to nectar, all or nearly all honeyeaters take insects and other small creatures, usually by [[hawking (birds)|hawking]], sometimes by [[gleaning (birds)|gleaning]]. A few of the larger species, notably the [[White-eared Honeyeater]], and the [[Strong-billed Honeyeater]] of [[Tasmania]], probe under bark for insects and other morsels. Many species supplement their diets with a little fruit, and a small number eat considerable amounts of fruit,<ref name=EoB>{{cite book |editor=Forshaw, Joseph|author= Lindsey, Terence|year=1991|title=Encyclopaedia of Animals: Birds|publisher= Merehurst Press|location=London|pages= 208|isbn= 1-85391-186-0}}</ref> particularly in tropical rainforests and, oddly, in semi-arid scrubland. The [[Painted Honeyeater]] is a [[mistletoe]] specialist. Most, however, exist on a diet of nectar supplemented by varying quantities of insects. In general, the honeyeaters with long, fine bills are more nectarivous, the shorter-billed species less so, but even specialised nectar eaters like the [[spinebill]]s take extra insects to add protein to their diet when they are breeding.
The movements of honeyeaters are poorly understood. Most are at least partially mobile but many movements seem to be local, possibly between favourite haunts as the conditions change. Fluctuations in local abundance are common, but the small number of definitely migratory honeyeater species aside, the reasons are yet to be discovered. Many follow the flowering of favourite food plants. Arid zone species appear to travel further and less predictably than those of the more fertile areas. It seems probable that no single explanation will emerge: the general rule for honeyeater movements is that there is no general rule.
==Changes in classification==
The genus ''[[Apalopteron]]'' (Bonin Honeyeater), formerly treated in the Meliphagidae, has recently been transferred to the [[White-eye|Zosteropidae]] on genetic evidence. The genus ''[[Notiomystis]]'' (New Zealand Stitchbird), formerly classified in the Meliphagidae, has recently been removed to the newly-erected [[Notiomystis| Notiomystidae]] of which it is the only member. <ref>Driskell ''et al.'' 2007</ref> The "Macgregor's bird-of-paradise," historically considered a [[bird of paradise]] ([[Paradisaeidae]]), was recently found to be a honeyeater.<ref>Cracraft & Feinstein 2000</ref> It is now known as "[[Macgregor's Giant Honeyeater]]" and is classified in the [[Meliphagidae]].
A new [[taxon]] of honeyeater, not yet described but apparently close to the [[Smoky Honeyeater]], has been discovered in December 2005 in the [[Foja Mountains]] of [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]], [[Indonesia]].[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/photogalleries/newguinea/photo2.html]
== Species of Meliphagidae ==
(Part of the [[Meliphagoidea]] superfamily)<ref>from Christidis & Boles 1994, and Sibley & Monroe 1990</ref>
OBS: The list is partial, with most non-Australian members missing.
'''Family: Meliphagidae'''
* ''[[Anthochaera]]''
** [[Red Wattlebird]]. ''Anthochaera carunculata''
** [[Yellow Wattlebird]]. ''Anthochaera paradoxa''
** [[Little Wattlebird]]. ''Anthochaera chrysoptera''
** [[Western Wattlebird]]. ''Anthochaera lunulata''
* ''[[Acanthagenys]]''
** [[Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater]]. ''Acanthagenys rufogularis''
* ''[[Plectorhyncha]]''
** [[Striped Honeyeater]]. ''Plectorhyncha lanceolata ''
* ''[[Philemon]]''
** [[Helmeted Friarbird]]. ''Philemon buceroides''
** [[Silver-crowned Friarbird]]. ''Philemon argenticeps''
** [[Noisy Friarbird]]. ''Philemon corniculatus''
** [[Little Friarbird]]. ''Philemon citreogularis ''
* ''[[Xanthomyza]]''<ref name=Christids/>
** [[Regent Honeyeater]]. ''Xanthomyza phrygia''
* ''[[Entomyzon]]''
** [[Blue-faced Honeyeater]]. ''Entomyzon cyanotis''
* ''[[Manorina]]''
** [[Bell Miner]]. ''Manorina melanophrys''
** [[Noisy Miner]]. ''Manorina melanocephala''
** [[Yellow-throated Miner]]. ''Manorina flavigula''
** [[Black-eared Miner]]. ''Manorina melanotis''
* ''[[Xanthotis]]''
** [[Macleay's Honeyeater]]. ''Xanthotis macleayana''
** [[Tawny-breasted Honeyeater]]. ''Xanthotis flaviventer''
* ''[[Meliphaga]]''
** [[Lewin's Honeyeater]]. ''Meliphaga lewinii ''
** [[Yellow-spotted Honeyeater]]. ''Meliphaga notata ''
** [[Graceful Honeyeater]]. ''Meliphaga gracilis''
** [[White-lined Honeyeater]]. ''Meliphaga albilineata''
* ''[[Lichenostomus]]''
** [[Bridled Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus frenatus''
** [[Eungella Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus hindwoodi''
** [[Yellow-faced Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus chrysops''
** [[Singing Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus virescens''
** [[Varied Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus versicolor''
** [[Mangrove Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus fasciogularis''
** [[White-gaped Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus unicolor''
** [[Yellow Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus flavus''
** [[White-eared Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus leucotis''
** [[Yellow-throated Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus flavicollis''
** [[Yellow-tufted Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus melanops''
** [[Purple-gaped Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus cratitius''
** [[Grey-headed Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus keartlandi''
** [[Yellow-plumed Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus ornatus''
** [[Grey-fronted Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus plumulus''
** [[Fuscous Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus fuscus''
** [[Yellow-tinted Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus flavescens''
** [[White-plumed Honeyeater]]. ''Lichenostomus penicillatus''
* ''[[Melipotes]]''
** [[Smoky Honeyeater]]. ''Melipotes fumigatus''
* ''[[Melithreptus]]''
** [[Black-chinned Honeyeater]]. ''Melithreptus gularis''
** [[Strong-billed Honeyeater]]. ''Melithreptus validirostris''
** [[Brown-headed Honeyeater]]. ''Melithreptus brevirostris''
** [[White-throated Honeyeater]]. ''Melithreptus albogularis''
** [[White-naped Honeyeater]]. ''Melithreptus lunatus''
** [[Black-headed Honeyeater]]. ''Melithreptus affinis''
* ''[[Macgregoria]]''
** [[Macgregor's Giant Honeyeater]]. ''Macgregoria pulchra''
* ''[[Glycichaera]]''
** [[Green-backed Honeyeater]]. ''Glycichaera fallax'' <small>([[Aru Islands]], [[Waigeo]] and [[Misool]] island, [[New Guinea]], northeastern [[Australia]])</small>
* ''[[Lichmera]]''
** [[Scaly-crowned Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera lombokia'' <small>(west-central [[Lesser Sunda Islands]])</small>
** [[Olive Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera argentauris'' <small>([[Molucca]]s and western islands of [[Papua New Guinea]])</small>
** [[Indonesian Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera limbata'' <small>([[Lesser Sunda Islands]])</small>
** [[Brown Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera indistincta'' <small>([[Aru Islands]], central-southern [[New Guinea]], [[Australia]])</small>
** [[Dark-brown Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera incana'' <small>([[New Caledonia]], [[Loyalty Islands]], and [[Vanuatu]])</small>
** [[White-tufted Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera squamata'' <small>([[Lesser Sunda Islands]] and [[Kai Island]])</small>
** [[Silver-eared Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera alboauricularis'' <small>(north-central and southeastern [[New Guinea]])</small>
** [[Buru Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera deningeri'' <small>([[Buru]])</small>
** [[Seram Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera monticola'' <small>([[Seram]])</small>
** [[Yellow-eared Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera flavicans'' <small>([[Timor]])</small>
** [[Black-chested Honeyeater]]. ''Lichmera notabilis'' <small>([[Wetar]])</small>
* ''[[Timeliopsis]]''
** [[Olive Straightbill]]. ''Timeliopsis fulvigula'' <small>([[New Guinea]])</small>
** [[Tawny Straightbill]]. ''Timeliopsis griseigula'' <small>(northwestern and southeastern [[New Guinea]])</small>
* ''[[Melilestes]]''
** [[Long-billed Honeyeater]]. ''Melilestes megarhynchus'' <small>([[New Guinea]], [[Aru Islands]], western islands of [[Papua New Guinea]])</small>
* ''[[Stresemannia]]''
** [[Bougainville Honeyeater]]. ''Stresemannia bougainvillei'' <small>([[Bougainville Island]])</small>
* ''[[Trichodere]]''
** [[White-streaked Honeyeater]]. ''Trichodere cockerelli'' <small>(northeastern [[Australia]])</small>
* ''[[Grantiella]]''
** [[Painted Honeyeater]]. ''Grantiella picta''
* ''[[Gymnomyza]]''
** [[Giant Honeyeater]]. ''Gymnomyza viridis''
** [[Mao (bird)|Mao]]. ''Gymnomyza samoensis''
** [[Crow Honeyeater]]. ''Gymnomyza aubryana''
* ''[[Phylidonyris]]''<ref name=Driskell/>
** [[Crescent Honeyeater]]. ''Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera''
** [[New Holland Honeyeater]]. ''Phylidonyris novaehollandiae''
** [[White-cheeked Honeyeater]]. ''Phylidonyris nigra''
** [[White-fronted Honeyeater]]. ''Phylidonyris albifrons''
** [[Tawny-crowned Honeyeater]]. ''Phylidonyris melanops''
* ''[[Ramsayornis]]''
** [[Brown-backed Honeyeater]]. ''Ramsayornis modestus''
** [[Bar-breasted Honeyeater]]. ''Ramsayornis fasciatus''
* ''[[Conopophila]]''
** [[Rufous-banded Honeyeater]]. ''Conopophila albogularis''
** [[Rufous-throated Honeyeater]]. ''Conopophila rufogularis''
** [[Grey Honeyeater]]. ''Conopophila whitei''
* ''[[Acanthorhynchus]]''
** [[Eastern Spinebill]]. ''Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris''
** [[Western Spinebill]]. ''Acanthorhynchus superciliosus''
* ''[[Certhionyx]]''<ref name=Driskell2/>
** [[Banded Honeyeater]]. ''Certhionyx pectoralis'' <small>(northern [[Australia]])</small><ref>based on molecular evidence, will be reclassified into the genus ''Cissomela''</ref>
** [[Black Honeyeater]]. ''Certhionyx niger'' <small>([[Australia]])</small><ref>based on molecular evidence, will be reclassified into the genus ''Sugomel''</ref>
** [[Pied Honeyeater]]. ''Certhionyx variegatus'' <small>(western central [[Australia]])</small>
* ''[[Myzomela]]''
** [[Drab Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela blasii'' <small>(southern [[Molucca]]n Islands of [[Ceram]] and [[Ambon]])</small>
** [[White-chinned Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela albigula'' <small>(southeast [[Papua New Guinea]])</small>
** [[Red-throated Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela eques'' <small>([[New Guinea]] and the islands of [[Waigeo]], [[Salawati]], [[Misool]], [[New Britain]], and [[Umboi]])</small>
** [[Dusky Honeyeater]]. ''Myzomela obscura'' <small>(northern [[Molucca]]s, [[New Guinea]], [[Aru Islands]], northern and northeastern [[Australia]], and southwestern [[Lesser Sunda Islands]])</small>
** [[Red Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela cruentata'' <small>([[New Guinea]] and the [[Bismarck Archipelago]])</small>
** [[Black Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela nigrita'' <small>([[New Guinea]], [[Aru Islands]] and [[Waigeo]] island)</small>
** [[Olive-yellow Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela pulchella'' <small>([[New Ireland (island)|New Ireland]] and the eastern [[Bismarck Archipelago]])</small>
** [[Mountain Myzomela]].''Myzomela adolphinae'' <small>([[New Guinea]])</small>
** [[Crimson-hooded Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela kuehni'' <small>(central [[Lesser Sunda Islands]])</small>
** [[Sumba Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela dammermani'' <small>(southwestern [[Lesser Sunda Islands]])</small>
** [[Red-headed Honeyeater]]. ''Myzomela erythrocephala'' <small>(southern [[New Guinea]], [[Aru Islands]], and northern [[Australia]])</small>
** [[Sulawesi Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela chloroptera'' <small>([[Sulawesi]] and northern [[Molucca]]s)</small>
** [[Wakolo Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela wakoloensis'' <small>(southern [[Molucca]]s)</small>
** [[Banda Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela boiei'' <small>[[Lesser Sunda Islands]], [[Banda Islands]], and [[Tanimbar Islands]])</small>
** [[Scarlet Honeyeater]]. ''Myzomela sanguinolenta'' <small>(eastern [[Australia]])</small>
** [[New Caledonian Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela caledonica'' <small>([[new Caledonia]])</small>
** [[Micronesian Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela rubrata'' <small>([[Mariana Islands]], [[Palau]], and [[Caroline Islands]])</small>
** [[Cardinal Honeyeater]]. ''Myzomela cardinalis'' <small>(southeastern [[Solomon Islands]], [[Vanuatu]], and [[Samoa]])</small>
** [[Rotuma Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela chermesina'' <small>(northwestern [[Fiji]])</small>
** [[Scarlet-bibbed Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela sclateri'' <small>(small islands off northeast coast of [[New Guinea]] and [[New Britain]])</small>
** [[Ebony Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela pammelaena'' <small>([[Bismarck Archipelago]])</small>
** [[Scarlet-naped Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela lafargei'' <small>([[Solomon Islands]])</small>
** [[Yellow-vented Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela eichhorni'' <small>(central [[Solomon Islands]])</small>
** [[Black-headed Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela melanocephala'' <small>([[Solomon Islands]])</small>
** [[Red-bellied Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela malaitae'' <small>(southeastern [[Solomon Islands]])</small>
** [[Sooty Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela tristrami'' <small>(southern [[Solomon Islands]])</small>
** [[Orange-breasted Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela jugularis'' <small>([[Fiji]])</small>
** [[Black-bellied Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela erythromelas'' <small>([[Bismarck Archipelago]])</small>
** [[Red-rumped Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela vulnerata'' <small>([[Lesser Sunda Islands]])</small>
** [[Red-collared Myzomela]]. ''Myzomela rosenbergi'' <small>([[New Guinea]])</small>
* ''[[Anthornis]]''
** [[New Zealand Bellbird]]. ''Anthornis melanura''
* ''[[Prosthemadera]]''
** [[Tui (bird)|Tui]]. ''Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae''
* ''[[Epthianura]]''
** [[Crimson Chat]]. ''Epthianura tricolor''
** [[Orange Chat]]. ''Epthianura aurifrons''
** [[Yellow Chat]]. ''Epthianura crocea''
** [[White-fronted Chat]]. ''Epthianura albifrons''
* ''[[Ashbyia]]''
** [[Gibberbird]]. ''Ashbyia lovensis''
==References==
{{reflist}}
* '''Barker, F.K.''', '''Cibois, A.''', '''Schikler, P.''', '''Feinstein, J.''', and '''Cracraft, J.''' (2004). Phylogeny and diversification of the largest avian radiation. ''Proceedings Natl. Acad. Sci., USA'' '''101''' 11040-11045.
* '''Christidis, L.''' and '''Boles, W.E.''' (1994). ''The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union Monograph 2.'' Melbourne: '''RAOU. ISBN 1875122060.'''
* '''Cracraft, J.''' and '''Feinstein, J.''' (2000). What is not a bird of paradise? Molecular and morphological evidence places ''Macgregoria'' in the Meliphagidae and the Cnemophilinae near the base of the corvoid tree. ''Proc. Roy. Soc. London, B'' '''267''' 233-241.
* '''Del Hoyo, J.''', '''Elliot, A.''' and '''Christie D.''' (editors). (2006). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 9788496553422 (''Epthianura'' and ''Ashbyia'' only)
* '''Driskell, A.C.''' and '''Christidis, L.''' (2004). Phylogeny and evolution of the Australo-Papuan honeyeaters (Passeriformes, Meliphagidae). ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' '''31''' 943–960.
* '''Driskell, A.C.''', '''Christidis, L.''', '''Gill, B.''', '''Boles, W.E.''', '''Barker, F.K.''', and '''Longmore, N.W.''' (2007). A new endemic family of New Zealand passerine birds: adding heat to a biodiversity hotspot. ''Australian Journal of Zoology'' '''55''' 1-6.
* '''Sibley, C.G.''' and '''Monroe, B.L. Jr.''' (1990). ''Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World.'' New Haven: '''Yale University Press. ISBN 0300049692.'''
==External links==
*[http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=172 Honeyeater videos] on the Internet Bird Collection
* [http://tolweb.org/tree?group=Meliphagoidea&contgroup=Oscines Meliphagoidea] - Highlighting relationships of [[Maluridae]] on Tree Of Life Web Project
[[Category:Meliphagidae|*]]
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[[es:Meliphagidae]]
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[[hu:Mézevőfélék]]
[[nl:Honingeters]]
[[ja:ミツスイ科 (Sibley)]]
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[[pt:Meliphagidae]]
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