This honeyeater occurs only on New Britain Island. It lives in montane forest and is reported from 1,200–1,800 m. It is usually uncommon.
A moderately large, drab-coloured honeyeater, it has a long curved bill about one and a half times the length of its head. Bare skin forms a narrow patch behind the eye, and the wing has a mustard-olive area.
It occurs in New Britain's montane forest, with a reported elevation range of 1,200–1,800 m. It is widespread at high altitudes but usually uncommon.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.