The Sumba myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Sumba in the western Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, where it is found in forest with a significant component of deciduous trees.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to Sumba Island, where it occupies deciduous and semi-evergreen monsoon forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. It frequents flowering trees along ridgelines, riverine woods, and wooded savannas. The species also visits gardens and agroforestry mosaics with abundant blossoms. It tends to concentrate where seasonal flowering peaks, shifting locally as resources change.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Sumba, this small honeyeater is a lively canopy forager and an important pollinator of flowering trees and mistletoes. It often defends nectar-rich trees from other birds and will also take small insects, especially when feeding young. Despite the male’s bright coloration, it can be surprisingly inconspicuous in dense foliage. It adapts reasonably well to secondary growth and forest edges.
Temperament
active and territorial around flowering trees
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting movements
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining small mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs defend rich nectar sources vigorously against other nectar feeders. Nest is a small cup placed in a fork or suspended from a thin branch, with 1–2 eggs typical. Breeding often coincides with peak flowering periods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and tinkling notes interspersed with sharp chip calls. Vocalizations accelerate during territorial disputes at flowering trees and soften to contact notes while foraging.
Plumage
Male shows vivid red to crimson on the head and upper breast with contrasting dark brown to blackish wings and back; underparts may be dusky with a reddish wash. Female is duller, mostly olive-brown to gray-brown above with paler buffy underparts and only a faint reddish tinge around the face or throat. Both sexes have a slender, slightly decurved bill typical of honeyeaters.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native flowering trees, shrubs, and mistletoes. It also hawks or gleans small insects and spiders from foliage and bark, especially when provisioning nestlings. Seasonal shifts in flower availability drive local movements and temporary concentrations. It may probe blossoms methodically and occasionally laps nectar while hovering briefly.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy and along forest edges where blossoms are abundant. Also visits flowering trees in secondary growth, village gardens, and agroforestry areas.
