In this study, we employ target capture of ultraconserved elements to resolve genus‐level systematics of a problematic group of honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae). This transformation is evidenced by massive changes in avian taxonomy, ranging from ordinal to subspecies changes. Molecular systematics is bringing taxonomy into the 21st Century by updating our nomenclature to reflect phylogenetic relationships of taxa. Morphological measures were similarly different, supporting species level recognition. Vocalisations were more diverse in both structure and complexity than those of suspected close relatives the Mimic Microptilotis analogus and Graceful Microptilotis gracilis Honeyeaters. Observations indicated that this species had life history attributes toward the slower end of the spectrum but similar to other congeners. Dietary observations support that like many closely related species, Tagula Honeyeaters have a broad diet of mostly insects supplemented with nectar and fruit. This species utilised the canopy and understorey layers in a range of habitats from mangroves at sea-level, gardens and regrowth of various ages to cloud forest on the highest point of Sudest Island (∼800 m asl). However, more conservative estimates nearing 50,000 individuals were considered prudent given lower population densities observed on parts of the larger Sudest Island (0.64/ha). Population estimates ranged between 53,000 and 85,000 individuals. Whether individuals defended defined territories at other times of the year was not known but re-sightings of marked birds confirmed them to be locally resident. Our results supported that members of this species display territoriality during the breeding season, occupying a mean of 2.0 ± 0.6 (SE) ha on Junet Island (n = 5). CTMM package in R was used for home-range estimation for the tracked honeyeaters. These findings were also used to inform estimates using traditional population density methods. We conducted the first assessment of spatial and habitat use by this species using radio-tracking in 2016. Islands were visited between October and January in the years from 2012–2014 and in 2016. This species was only observed on Sudest and Junet Islands. We conducted research into the ‘Data Deficient’ and endemic Tagula Honeyeater Microptilotis vicina of the Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea.
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