The mountain myzomela, also known as elfin myzomela or midget myzomela, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the New Guinea mainland, especially in moist foothill and montane forests. It frequents forest edges, gaps, secondary growth, and mossy forest, often concentrating where flowers are abundant. Birds move through mid-story and canopy levels, gleaning insects between nectar visits. It may descend into lower elevations where suitable flowering shrubs and trees are present, including along streams and ridgelines.
Altitude Range
200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny honeyeater, the mountain myzomela (also called elfin or midget myzomela) is agile and fast-moving, often seen flitting among flowers for nectar. It inhabits New Guinea’s moist forests from foothills into montane zones and readily visits flowering trees along forest edges and clearings. Like many myzomelas, it supplements nectar with small insects, especially when feeding young.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, defending rich flowering patches against other nectar feeders. Forms loose associations at mass-flowering trees and may join mixed-species flocks when foraging for insects. Nests are small cups placed on slender branches, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of chips and tsee notes interspersed with short trills. Calls are frequently given while foraging and during brief chases around flowering trees.
Plumage
Small, slender honeyeater with a slightly downcurved bill; males typically brighter with contrasting tones, females plainer and more olive-brown. Plumage is neat and close-fitting, aiding rapid, agile flight among foliage.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of native flowering shrubs and canopy trees, probing blossoms with its fine curved bill. Also hawks and gleans small insects and spiders to meet protein needs, especially during breeding. Foraging is fast and methodical, with brief pauses to sally after aerial prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in mid-story and canopy of moist foothill and montane forests, and in secondary growth with abundant blossoms. Often concentrates at seasonal flowering events and along ridgelines or streams where nectar sources are dense.
