Myzomela vulnerata
The Black-breasted Myzomela (Myzomela vulnerata) is a striking and active honeyeater, endemic to the island of Timor. This small passerine typically measures 10-12 cm in length and weighs a mere 7-9 grams, making it one of the smaller members of the Meliphagidae family. Males are particularly vibrant, boasting a glossy black head, back, wings, and tail, sharply contrasted by a brilliant scarlet-red throat and upper breast that extends into a patch on the side of the neck. A distinctive glossy...
Primarily found in a variety of wooded habitats including monsoon forest, eucalyptus woodland, savanna, shrubland, and even gardens, ranging from sea level up to 1,200 meters (occasionally higher).
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects, spiders, and occasionally tree sap, obtained through hovering and gleaning.
The Black-breasted Myzomela is a highly active and restless diurnal bird, constantly flitting among flowering trees and shrubs. Its foraging strategy is primarily nectivorous, involving agile hovering at blossoms to probe for nectar with its specialized brush-tipped tongue, much like a hummingbir...
The Black-breasted Myzomela is exclusively found on the island of Timor, inhabiting both the independent nation of East Timor (Timor-Leste) and the Indonesian province of West Timor. This species is a resident, non-migratory bird throughout its range, occupying a variety of wooded habitats from c...
Least Concern
- The Black-breasted Myzomela is entirely endemic to the island of Timor, making it a unique avian resident found nowhere else in the world. - Despite its small size, this honeyeater plays a vital role as a pollinator for many flowering plants within its ecosystem. - It possesses a specialized br...