Helmeted friarbird

The helmeted friarbird is a captivating member of the Meliphagidae family. These birds can be observed in Indonesia and northern Australia, where they flourish in subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and mangrove forests.

There are several intriguing subspecies of the helmeted friarbird. One is the hornbill friarbird (P. b. yorki), which inhabits the Cape York Peninsula and coastal northeastern Queensland. Another noteworthy subspecies is the New Guinea friarbird (P. b. novaeguineae). There is ongoing debate regarding whether these subspecies should be considered part of the helmeted friarbird species or recognized as distinct species in their own right. Regardless, these birds play a vital role in their ecosystems and contribute significantly to biodiversity.