Myzomela melanocephala
The Black-headed Myzomela, *Myzomela melanocephala*, is a captivating and diminutive honeyeater endemic to Biak Island in Indonesia. Measuring a mere 11-12 cm in length and weighing around 8-12 grams, this agile bird sports a glossy black head, nape, mantle, back, wings, and tail, strikingly contrasted by a vivid scarlet-red throat patch that extends onto the upper breast. Its underparts are a clean white, making for a distinctive tri-color pattern. While males exhibit this bold plumage, fema...
Found exclusively in lowland tropical moist forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and even coconut plantations on Biak Island, generally below 200 meters elevation.
Primarily nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects (spiders, beetles, larvae) gleaned from foliage, and occasionally small berries or fruit pulp.
Diurnal and exceptionally active, the Black-headed Myzomela constantly flits and hovers among flowering vegetation throughout the day. It is a highly agile forager, probing flowers for nectar with its specialized brush-tipped tongue, gleaning small insects from foliage and bark, and occasionally ...
The Black-headed Myzomela is an extraordinary island endemic, with its entire global distribution confined solely to Biak Island. This small island is located off the northern coast of Papua province, Indonesia, nestled within Geelvink Bay. The species is a permanent resident, exhibiting no migra...
Least Concern
- This bird is a true island specialist, found only on Biak Island, Indonesia, making it a unique avian treasure. - Its scientific name, *Myzomela melanocephala*, perfectly describes it, translating to 'black-headed honey-seeker'. - Despite its vibrant red throat, its predominantly black and whit...