Meliphaga aruensis Sharpe, 1884

Puff-backed Honeyeater

Other common names: Large-tufted Honeyeater, Puff-backed/Large-tufted Meliphaga

Taxonomy: Ptilotis aruensis Sharpe, 1884, Aru Islands.
Molecular evidence suggests genus consists of two clades; present species forms group with M. lewinii and M. notata. Population in SE New Guinea genetically distinct, and may constitute a separate species; taxon as yet undescribed. Detailed analysis of geographical variation currently in progress, to determine affinities, status and distribution of component forms; E limits of nominate race and W limits of SE form not currently known. Two subspecies currently recognized.

Large, rather thickset honeyeater with dense tuft of stiff feathers on rump. Nominate race dark  olive-brown to greyish-olive above, crown deeper olive than upperparts, blackish subterminal zone on rump feathers (can appear as indistinct dusky blotching in field); blackish-olive fores, feathers around eye and diffuse streak behind eye, large lemon-yellowish ear-patch (mostly yellow ear-coverts); rich yellow or orange-yellow gape-line merging with distinct pale yellow rictal streak, which often extends to meet pale ear-patch.