Lichmera alboauricularis
Least Concern
Although this species may have a restricted range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Taxonomy: Stigmatops albo-auricularis E. P. Ramsay, 1878, south-east coast of New Guinea. Forms a superspecies with L. squamata.Two subspecies recognized. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
Subspecies and Distribution:
- * olivacea Mayr, 1938 - lowlands of NC New Guinea, from L Sentani and Idenburg-Mamberamo rivers E to Ramu R, including middle and lower Sepik R. * alboauricularis (E. P. Ramsay, 1878) - coastal lowlands of SE New Guinea E from Popondetta and, in S, from around Bereina to Milne Bay, including small coastal islands of Mailu (off Amazon Bay) and Heath and Doini (near Samarai I).
Feeds on nectar and insects, foraging at all heights in trees and shrubs. It may be seen in mixed flocks with other honeyeaters. In Western Australia, these include the Singing Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater and the Red Wattlebird, while in the Top End it is often seen with the Dusky Honeyeater. However, it will be displaced at bird feeders by larger birds.
