Dusky Honeyeaters in Australia are found along the east coast of Queensland and the top end of the N.T. In the east, formerly they occurred from Cape York south to about Mackay, but in recent years there have been an increasing number of records further south, almost to Brisbane - some say as a result of climate change.

Certainly the plainest of the Myzomela honeyeaters despite their active nature, they are relatively inconspicuous and even their calls are easy to overlook. They feed largely on nectar but also forage for insects where available. They inhabit wetter environments - edges of rain forest and vine thickets, coastal scrub and mangroves. Near Brisbane they have been found in gardens.