The red myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is found in New Guinea and New Britain. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago, especially New Britain, in moist lowland and montane forests. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens with flowering shrubs and trees. The species typically forages in the mid to upper canopy, moving rapidly between blossoms. It is common where nectar sources are abundant and may wander locally following bloom cycles.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small honeyeater is an active canopy forager, with males showing striking crimson plumage contrasted by black wings and tail. It plays an important role as a pollinator while also gleaning small insects from foliage. Pairs or small groups often visit flowering trees and can join mixed-species flocks. Despite its bright coloration, it can be surprisingly unobtrusive in dense foliage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups, and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest in a fork or suspended among fine branches. They defend favored flowering trees but tolerate brief aggregations at rich nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched whistles and sharp chips delivered while foraging. Song is a quick series of squeaky, ascending notes interspersed with buzzy trills. Vocalizations carry well in the canopy and at forest edges.
Plumage
Male with vivid crimson head and body contrasting with black wings and tail; female duller olive-brown with a rufous wash and paler underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, supplementing with small insects and spiders. It probes blossoms with its decurved bill and also gleans arthropods from leaves and twigs. Occasional fruit and honeydew may be taken when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of moist forests, at forest edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently visits flowering gardens and roadside trees in inhabited areas.
