The black-headed myzomela is a bird of the family Meliphagidae endemic to the central Solomon Islands.
Region
Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the central Solomon Islands across lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and shrubby gardens. It frequents flowering trees and coastal thickets and will visit village plantings when nectar is abundant. The species uses both primary and disturbed habitats, provided there is a good supply of blossoms and small arthropods.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small honeyeater, the black-headed myzomela uses a brush-tipped tongue to sip nectar and also takes small insects for protein. Males are highly territorial around flowering trees and act as important pollinators in island forests. The species shows clear sexual dimorphism, with males much more vividly colored than females.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, darting movements between blossoms
Social Behavior
Often forages singly or in pairs, with small loose groups forming at rich nectar sources. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build a neat cup nest in shrubs or small trees. They may associate with mixed-species flocks when insect activity is high.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tinkling notes and squeaky chips, delivered rapidly from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tsip and seet notes used in contact and aggressive interactions around flowers.
Plumage
Male shows a glossy black head and throat contrasting with bright crimson upperparts and darker wings; underparts are paler with variable reddish wash. Female is duller, with olive-brown upperparts and buffy to grayish underparts, and lacks the male’s stark black hood.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, using a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements diet with small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and blossoms. Will hawk briefly for tiny flying insects when available.
Preferred Environment
Most often at canopy and mid-story blossoms along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. Readily visits village gardens and coastal thickets when trees are in flower.
