The black-bellied myzomela, also known as the splendid myzomela, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to the large island of New Britain, near New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. An adult is 9 to 10 cm, males weigh 7 to 9 g while females weigh 6.5 to 7.5 g. Males have predominantly black plumage with a scarlet red hood. Females are slightly smaller than males with a mainly olive colored plumage and a red mask covering the forehead. Both male and females have a black bill. Black-bellied myzomela feed on nectar, often in small parties. It has also been recorded to forage with other species like ashy myzomela and red myzomela.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and foothill forests of New Britain, favoring subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest. It frequents forest edges, riverine strips, secondary growth, and village gardens with flowering trees. Typically feeds from the midstory to the canopy and will descend to shrubs when blossoms are abundant. It adapts well to disturbed habitats as long as nectar sources are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny honeyeater is a key pollinator on New Britain, moving quickly between blossoms to sip nectar with its brush-tipped tongue. Males are striking with a scarlet hood and black belly, while females are olive with a red facial mask. It often forages in small parties and readily joins mixed-species flocks around flowering trees.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial around flowering trees
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small parties, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks when blossoms are abundant. Pairs defend rich nectar sources but tolerate conspecifics at large flowering trees. Nesting is presumed to involve a small cup placed in foliage, with both parents likely feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tinkling notes and rapid twittering phrases. Calls become more rapid and insistent around rich nectar sources and during interactions with other birds.
Plumage
Male is predominantly black with a vivid scarlet hood and black belly; female is olive-brown with a contrasting red mask on the forehead and face. Both sexes have a fine, slightly decurved black bill and smooth, glossy feathering in males versus duller tones in females.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering trees, shrubs, and epiphytes, using a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding for added protein. Forages by gleaning, probing blossoms, and making short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in the midstory and canopy of lowland forest and along forest edges. Also visits secondary growth and village gardens where suitable blossoms are available.
