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IUCN status: Least ConcernHelmeted Friarbird at a glance
The Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides) is a bird in the family Meliphagidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Papua, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. Diet: mainly nectar and fruit, also insects; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Philemon buceroides |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Cikukua tanduk |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
| Observation records | Papua, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 6,660 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly nectar and fruit, also insects · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the Helmeted Friarbird?
Helmeted Friarbird refers to Philemon buceroides, in the genus Philemon, family Meliphagidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Helmeted Friarbird?
The helmeted friarbird belongs to the honeyeater family Meliphagidae; its helmet-like head does not make it a hornbill.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Helmeted Friarbird?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 6,660 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Papua, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Helmeted Friarbird?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Helmeted Friarbird with Brown Honeyeater, Willie Wagtail, Malaysian Pied-Fantail. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Helmeted Friarbird
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
| Genus | Philemon |
| Species | Philemon buceroides |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Helmeted Friarbird
What is the scientific name of the Helmeted Friarbird?
The scientific name of the Helmeted Friarbird is Philemon buceroides, in the family Meliphagidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Cikukua tanduk.
What kind of animal is the Helmeted Friarbird?
The Helmeted Friarbird is a bird in the family Meliphagidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly nectar and fruit, also insects.
Where does the Helmeted Friarbird live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Helmeted Friarbird summarised in this guide mainly come from Papua, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Helmeted Friarbird eat?
The Helmeted Friarbird is a mainly nectar and fruit, also insects. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Helmeted Friarbird reproduce?
The Helmeted Friarbird reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Helmeted Friarbird nocturnal?
The cited source records the Helmeted Friarbird as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Helmeted Friarbird?
Scientific classification of the Helmeted Friarbird: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Meliphagidae, genus Philemon, species Philemon buceroides.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Helmeted Friarbird endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Helmeted Friarbird is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Helmeted Friarbird is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/philemon-buceroides/