Myzomela cruentata
The Red Myzomela (*Myzomela cruentata*) is a strikingly vibrant, diminutive passerine belonging to the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. Measuring approximately 10-12 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-10 grams, it is best recognized by the male's intense scarlet plumage, which covers nearly its entire body, sharply contrasting with black flight feathers (primaries, secondaries) and a black tail. Its distinctive field marks include a slender, decurved black bill perfectly adapted for nectar fee...
This species primarily inhabits lowland and hill tropical rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth, typically found from sea level up to elevations of 1,200 meters, occasionally higher.
Primarily nectivorous, feeding on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, but also consumes small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage.
Red Myzomelas are highly active diurnal birds, often seen flitting restlessly through the canopy and subcanopy of flowering trees. Their foraging strategy primarily involves hovering to extract nectar from blossoms with their brush-tipped tongues, but they also glean small insects from foliage an...
The Red Myzomela is endemic to the Australasian region, primarily distributed across New Guinea and its satellite islands. Its range encompasses the entire mainland of New Guinea, including both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua New Guinea. Beyond the main island, it is also found ...
Least Concern
- The male Red Myzomela is one of the most vividly colored honeyeaters, with scarlet plumage so intense it almost glows in the forest understory. - Despite its brilliant red, the female is remarkably drab, showcasing one of the most extreme cases of sexual dimorphism among small passerines. - Its...