Myzomela pulchella
The New Ireland Myzomela is a small, strikingly colored honeyeater endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago. Adult males are particularly vibrant, sporting a glossy black body contrasted by a brilliant scarlet red head, throat, and rump, with a clean white vent. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-9 grams, its small size belies its bold coloration. Females are considerably duller, exhibiting an olive-grey head and back, a faint reddish wash on the throat, and paler und...
Primarily found in disturbed forest, forest edge, secondary growth, and mature gardens, occurring from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters in elevation.
Mainly nectar extracted from a variety of flowering plants, complemented by small insects such as spiders, beetles, and flies, and occasionally small fruits. Forages predominantly by probing flowers and gleaning insects.
This active and agile honeyeater is typically observed singly or in pairs, frequently flitting among flowering trees and shrubs. It employs a foraging strategy of probing flowers for nectar with its specialized brush-tipped tongue, supplementing its diet by gleaning small insects from foliage and...
The New Ireland Myzomela is strictly endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, a group of islands off Papua New Guinea. Its distribution is confined to the main island of New Ireland and several of its smaller, surrounding satellites. These include New Hanover (Lavongai), Dyaul, Lihir, Tabar, Tanga, a...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'pulchella' is Latin for 'beautiful,' a testament to the male's vibrant plumage. - Its striking red head provides a stark contrast against its black body, making it a visual standout in its habitat. - Despite its tiny size, this myzomela is an incredibly active and acrobatic...