Proposed subspecies lorentzi (described from Hellwig Mts, in Oranje Range) considered inseparable from nominate. Birds from Wissel Lakes area (between Weyland Mts and Snow Mts) described as subspeces incerta, but validity uncertain, and thought possibly a hybrid between nominate race and Rufous-sided Honeyeater (Ptiloprora erythropleura) (of subspecies dammermani) but further study is needed.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
perstriata (De Vis, 1898) - New Guinea mountains from Weyland Mts and Nassau and Oranje Ranges east, including high peaks in Hindenburg, Victor Emanuel and Bismarck Ranges, to Wharton Range (in south-east).
praedicta E. J. O. Hartert, 1930 - Mountains of Wandammen Peninsula, in north-western New Guinea.
incerta Junge, 1952 - Mts. of w-central New Guinea.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet