White-throated Honeyeaters are a common species in forests and woodlands right across northern Australia and down the east coast to near Coffs Harbour in NSW. They also occur in New Guinea. Unlike White-naped Honeyeaters, they do not undertake any long distance migrations but are relatively sedentary except for some local movements in search of food.

When breeding, they are mainly found as pairs. Helpers at the nest have been recorded but, unlike most other members of the genus, it seems to be occasional rather than an everyday event. White-throated Honeyeaters easy to miss - their fairly soft, high-pitched calls seem to blend in with their surroundings.