Yellow-throated Honeyeaters occur only in Tasmania and on some of the islands in Bass Strait. There they replace their close relative of the mainland the White-eared Honeyeater. They are a common bird throughout Tasmania and are found in a wide range of habitats.

Yellow-throated Honeyeaters breed as pairs in permanent territories, form family parties but rarely flock together. They were once regarded as pests in cherry orchards