The Bacan myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia where it occurs on the Bacan Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
North Maluku (Bacan Islands), Indonesia
Typical Environment
Confined to the Bacan Islands, it inhabits primary and secondary lowland rainforest, mangroves, and moist montane forest. It often forages along forest edges, in flowering shrubs, and occasionally in gardens near forest. The species uses vertical forest strata from understory to canopy, tracking flowering plants. It persists in moderately disturbed habitats provided nectar sources remain. Riparian corridors and coastal mangroves are also visited when in bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small honeyeater is restricted to the Bacan Islands of North Maluku, Indonesia, where it frequents flowering trees and shrubs. Males are strikingly red and black, while females are much duller, making the species sexually dimorphic. By moving between blossoms, it likely serves as an important local pollinator. Its limited range makes it sensitive to extensive habitat loss despite being locally common.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, often defending rich nectar sources from other nectar-feeders. Courtship involves vocal chasing and display at flowering trees. The nest is a small cup placed on a horizontal fork or in dense foliage, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and tinkling notes interspersed with short buzzing trills. Calls are sharp and metallic when agitated, with softer warbles while foraging.
Plumage
Male with bright scarlet to crimson head and breast contrasting with black wings, back, and tail; female dull olive-brown above with paler, buff-washed underparts. Both sexes have sleek, close-fitting plumage typical of myzomelas.
Diet
Primarily nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and hawked in short sallies. It also takes arthropods from flower clusters and occasionally sips from epiphyte blooms. Small fruits may be eaten opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at blossoms in the canopy and midstory, along forest edges, and in mangroves and secondary growth when in flower. It readily visits flowering garden plants near forest margins.
