The Alor myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae, the honeyeaters. It is endemic to the Indonesian island of Alor, where it is the only representative member of the genus Myzomela. It is named after Dewi Malia Prawiradilaga, an ornithologist at the Indonesian Institute of Science and one of the first leading female Indonesian ornithologists.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Confined to the island of Alor, where it occupies tropical dry forest, secondary woodland, forest edge, and shrubland. It frequents flowering trees in village gardens, plantations, and coastal scrub, as well as foothill and lower montane slopes. The species moves through the canopy and midstory, often following seasonal blooms. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but depends on areas with abundant flowers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small honeyeater, it is the only member of the genus Myzomela found on Alor Island and was named in honor of Indonesian ornithologist Dewi Malia Prawiradilaga. Like other myzomelas, it is an active nectar-feeder and likely plays an important pollination role for flowering trees and shrubs. It also takes small arthropods to supplement its diet.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups around flowering trees. Males may defend rich nectar sources vigorously. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed on a horizontal branch or fork, as in related myzomelas. Breeding timing likely follows peaks in local flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of rapid chips and twitters interspersed with soft, metallic tinkling notes. Calls accelerate when birds chase rivals around flowering trees.
Plumage
Male shows a bright, glossy red hood and breast contrasting with darker wings and back; female is duller with olive-brown upperparts and paler, buff-washed underparts. Both sexes have sleek, close-fitting plumage suited to quick, agile flight.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native and cultivated flowering plants, probing blossoms with its slender curved bill. It supplements with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and occasionally hawked in short sallies. Pollen may be ingested incidentally and transferred between flowers, aiding pollination.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the canopy and upper midstory of flowering trees, but also visits lower shrubs and garden ornamentals. It readily uses edge habitats and scattered trees in village landscapes.
