The Taliabu myzomela is a species of bird in the honeyeater family. It was first described in 2020. The species was named after the village of Wahe on Taliabu Island, which is the gateway to the highest elevations on Taliabu, where it most commonly occurs.
Region
Sula Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Taliabu Island, with records concentrated in the upper montane zone. It favors mossy montane forest, ridgelines, and forest edges where flowering shrubs and trees are common. The species uses the midstory to canopy, often moving quickly between blooms. It may venture into secondary growth and high-elevation clearings when nectar sources are available.
Altitude Range
unknown
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A recently described honeyeater from 2020, the Taliabu myzomela is confined to Taliabu Island in Indonesia and is named after the village of Wahe. It frequents the island’s highest elevations where flowering trees are abundant. Like other myzomelas, its slender curved bill is adapted for sipping nectar and gleaning tiny arthropods. Its presence around blooms suggests an important role in local pollination networks.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Pairs defend rich nectar resources when blooms are concentrated. Nesting is presumed to involve a small cup nest placed in foliage, with both parents likely feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin tsee and tzip notes interspersed with quick, squeaky warbles. Calls accelerate when feeding or interacting aggressively around flowers.
Plumage
Male with bright red head and throat contrasting with darker wings and upperparts; underparts paler. Female is duller, mostly olive-brown to grayish with limited or no red, and a paler belly. Both sexes have sleek, close-fitting plumage suited to active foraging.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of blossoms using its decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Will also sally short distances to catch tiny flying insects. Its movements often track the availability of flowering plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of montane forest and along forest edges. Frequently visits flowering shrubs and trees on ridgelines and in high-elevation clearings, and may appear in village gardens when suitable blooms are present.
