Long-billed myzomela

The long-billed myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found on Goodenough Island. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the red-collared myzomela, but was split as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021.

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Distribution

Region

D'Entrecasteaux Islands

Typical Environment

Endemic to Goodenough Island, where it occupies forest edges, secondary growth, gardens, and patches of tropical moist forest. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs, often along ridgelines and clearings. The species also uses disturbed habitats with abundant blossoms and may follow seasonal flowering.

Altitude Range

800–2400 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm

Wing Span16–20 cm

Male Weight0.01 kg

Female Weight0.009 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The long-billed myzomela is a small honeyeater restricted to Goodenough Island in Papua New Guinea. It was split from the red-collared myzomela by the IOC in 2021 based on distinct morphology and vocal traits. Its long, decurved bill is adapted for probing tubular flowers, and it can be quite bold and territorial around nectar sources.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small groups at rich flowering trees. Pairs defend feeding territories and nest sites. Nests are small cup-shaped structures placed in foliage, with both parents participating in care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

High, thin chips and twitters interspersed with a soft, sweet warble. Calls become more persistent when defending nectar sources.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Males are mostly dark with a vivid red collar and glossed black upperparts; females are duller, brown-olive with paler underparts and subtle reddish wash near the collar or rump. Both sexes have a notably long, decurved bill typical of myzomelas.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, using its long bill to probe tubular blossoms. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and occasionally snatched in short sallies. Also takes some sugary plant exudates when available.

Preferred Environment

Concentrates around flowering canopy trees, edges, and secondary growth where blossoms are abundant. Regularly visits gardens and village plantings with nectar-rich species.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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