The New Caledonian myzomela is a species of bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. The species is sometimes considered to be conspecific with the scarlet myzomela of Australia.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Found throughout New Caledonia’s main island and nearby islets in a range of wooded habitats. It uses moist lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth, and readily visits gardens and parks with flowering shrubs and trees. The species also forages in coastal thickets and occasionally mangroves. It is adaptable as long as nectar and small arthropods are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small honeyeater endemic to New Caledonia, the New Caledonian myzomela uses a brush-tipped tongue to lap nectar from flowers. Males are strikingly red and black, while females are olive-brown, aiding camouflage. It frequents flowering trees in forests and gardens and is sometimes treated as conspecific with Australia’s scarlet myzomela.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may gather loosely at abundant flowering trees. Pairs defend nectar sources aggressively against other small birds. Nesting is in a small cup placed in foliage, with both parents involved in care. Courtship includes chasing and display flights around flowering canopies.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Thin, high-pitched tinkling notes interspersed with soft, buzzy trills. Calls are sharp ‘tsee’ or ‘tzip’ contact notes, becoming more rapid during territorial disputes.
Plumage
Male with glossy scarlet head and breast contrasting with black wings and tail; female is olive-brown above with paler underparts and lacks red.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native and introduced flowering plants, using a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. Will also take honeydew and occasionally small fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering tree canopies, forest edges, and gardens. Frequently visits banksias, grevilleas, and other nectar-rich shrubs and trees, and will descend to lower shrub layers when blossoms are abundant.
