The dark-eared myza, also known as the lesser streaked honeyeater, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. There are two subspecies, Myza celebensis celebensis which is found in mountainous parts of northern, central and southeastern Sulawesi, and Myza celebensis meridionalis from mountains in southern Sulawesi.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
This species inhabits montane and submontane evergreen forests across northern, central, southeastern, and southern Sulawesi. It favors mossy forest interiors, forest edges, and secondary growth with abundant flowering trees. Birds are commonly seen along ridgelines and in gullies where epiphytes and nectar sources are plentiful. It adapts to selectively logged forest but is less frequent in heavily degraded areas. Local movements track flowering peaks.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dark-eared myza, also called the lesser streaked honeyeater, is a nectar- and insect-feeding honeyeater restricted to the mountains of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It often forages in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. The species is distinguished from the closely related white-eared myza by its dusky ear coverts and generally darker head sides.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and commonly participates in mixed-species feeding flocks. Territorial around rich flowering trees but generally tolerant when nectar is abundant. Nest is a small cup placed in forked branches or dense foliage; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, wiry series of high-pitched notes interspersed with short trills. Calls include sharp chips and nasal, scolding notes given while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with fine streaking and paler, heavily streaked underparts; texture is sleek with subtle gloss on the head. Ear coverts are dusky to dark, contrasting with a slightly paler supercilium. Tail and wings are brownish-olive with faint edging.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, including blossoms of epiphytes and canopy species. Supplements its diet with small arthropods such as insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. It occasionally takes small berries or soft fruits, especially when flowers are scarce. Foraging is energetic, moving methodically through midstory and canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds most often in the midstory to canopy of montane forest, along forest edges, and in clearings with flowering plants. It will visit secondary growth and gardens near forest where suitable nectar sources exist.
