Red-vested myzomela

The red-vested myzomela, also known as the red-bellied myzomela, is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Malaita. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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Distribution

Region

Solomon Islands

Typical Environment

Occurs on Malaita and adjacent small islets, inhabiting both primary and secondary forests. It uses subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests as well as montane forests, and often visits forest edges and gardens with flowering trees. The species forages from understory to canopy but is most active in mid- to upper levels where blossoms are abundant. It tolerates some habitat mosaic but declines where continuous forest is heavily logged or converted.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span17–20 cm

Male Weight0.009 kg

Female Weight0.008 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A tiny honeyeater, the red-vested myzomela is noted for the male’s striking red chest that contrasts with darker upperparts. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs, acting as an important pollinator while also gleaning small insects. It is confined to Malaita and nearby islets in the Solomon Islands and is sensitive to forest loss and degradation. Protecting intact lowland and montane forests on Malaita is key to its long-term survival.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with darting, hovering bouts at flowers

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups around rich nectar sources. Males may aggressively defend flowering trees from rivals and other nectar feeders. Nests are small cup structures placed in forks or on slender branches; both parents participate in feeding the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

High, thin tinkling notes interspersed with rapid twittering phrases. Calls include sharp chips and squeaky contact notes given while foraging. Vocalizations are frequent around flowering trees.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Male with glossy dark upperparts and a vivid red breast and belly forming a distinct 'vest'; female is duller olive-brown with a paler, sometimes faintly reddish-washed underpart. Both sexes have a sleek, slightly decurved bill typical of myzomelas.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of native and introduced flowering plants, including blossoms of trees and shrubs. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark or caught in short sallies. Occasionally takes small fruits or sap-like exudates. This mixed diet supports both energy needs from sugars and protein from arthropods.

Preferred Environment

Feeds in mid- to upper canopy of moist forest, also at edges, secondary growth, and village gardens with abundant flowers. Often visits flowering Syzygium, Metrosideros, and Hibiscus, and will exploit seasonal blooms and emergent canopy trees.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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