The black-breasted myzomela or red-rumped myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found on Timor island. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor)
Typical Environment
Occurs across Timor Island in subtropical and tropical dry forests, monsoon woodlands, and open savanna with scattered trees. It also uses forest edge, secondary growth, and gardens with flowering plants. The species often follows seasonal blooms and can be common where nectar is abundant. It adapts well to semi-open habitats provided flowering resources persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the red-rumped myzomela, this small honeyeater is noted for the male’s striking black breast and bright red rump. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs and is an important pollinator in Timor’s dry forest ecosystems. The species is active, often hovering briefly to sip nectar, and will defend rich nectar sources from other birds.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Males defend flowering trees and shrubs vigorously from rivals. Nests are small, neat cups placed in shrubs or slender branches, with breeding timed to coincide with peak flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of chips and tinkling notes, often given while foraging. Excited trills and squeaky calls are used in territorial chases around flowering trees.
Plumage
Male shows a glossy black head and breast contrasting with bright red upperparts and rump, with paler underparts. Female is duller, mostly olive-brown to gray-brown with a reddish wash on the rump and a faintly streaked or pale underside. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill suited to nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily nectar from blossoms of native trees and shrubs, supplemented with small insects and spiders. It gleans arthropods from foliage and occasionally hawks tiny insects in short sallies. It may also take a little fruit or sap when available, especially during nectar scarcity.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in canopy and midstory of dry forest, woodland edges, and flowering gardens. Often concentrates where Eucalyptus and other seasonally blooming trees provide abundant nectar.
