It was formerly lumped with the white-lined honeyeater but, based on a genetic analysis, it is now considered a separate species.

Articles published in 2014 and 2015 provided evidence that the Kimberley and white-lined honeyeaters differ not only genetically, but also in song[2] and foraging ecology.

[3] The specific epithet honours the Australian chemist and ornithologist Dr Julian Ralph Ford (1932-1987).

It is distinguished from the white-lined honeyeater by the lack of citrine edging on the upper surface of the remiges and rectrices, pale creamy-buff under-wing coverts, and a milky-white belly.

Two pinkish eggs, spotted red or brown, are laid in a deep nest made of spiderweb and plant fibres.