Myza celebensis
The Dark-eared Myza, *Myza celebensis*, is an enigmatic medium-sized honeyeater endemic to the montane forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia, a unique and species-rich island. Measuring approximately 17-20 cm in length, it boasts an olive-brown to grayish-brown upperparts, contrasting with a paler, sometimes faintly streaked, underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name, is the prominent dark, almost black, auricular patch often bordered by a narrow buffy or pale stripe, ac...
This species primarily inhabits moist evergreen montane and upper montane forests, favoring forest edges and clearings. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Primarily nectivorous, feeding on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, but also supplements its diet with small insects gleaned from foliage and bark.
The Dark-eared Myza is a diurnal and highly active species, spending its days foraging alone, in pairs, or occasionally in small, loose groups. Its primary foraging strategy involves probing flowers for nectar with its specialized decurved bill, often hovering briefly like a hummingbird or clingi...
The Dark-eared Myza is strictly endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, where it is a resident species. Its distribution is fragmented across the island's numerous montane forest blocks. Two recognized subspecies exist: *Myza celebensis celebensis*, which inhabits the mountain ranges of n...
Least Concern
- The Dark-eared Myza is one of only two species in the genus *Myza*, both of which are endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. - Its long, decurved bill is a perfect example of co-evolution, adapted to fit the shapes of the montane flowers it feeds from. - This species is known to hover br...