Myzomela eques
The Ruby-throated Myzomela (Myzomela eques) is a diminutive and striking member of the honeyeater family (Meliphagidae), endemic to the island of New Guinea and its satellite islands. Measuring a mere 11-12.5 cm in length and weighing 8-11 grams, this slender passerine is instantly recognizable by the male's brilliant, iridescent ruby-red throat, sharply contrasting with his glossy black head and upperparts, and duller blackish underparts. Females, however, exhibit significant sexual dimorphi...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary and secondary growth, and occasionally extends into lower montane forests. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,500 meters.
The Ruby-throated Myzomela primarily feeds on nectar, which it extracts from a wide variety of flowering plants using its specialized brush-tipped tongue and decurved bill. This is supplemented by small insects and spiders, which are gleaned from foliage or caught in aerial sallies.
Ruby-throated Myzomelas are highly active and often restless birds, flitting rapidly through the forest canopy, typically during daylight hours and roosting communally or solitarily in dense foliage at night. They primarily forage solitarily or in pairs, rarely joining mixed-species flocks, using...
The Ruby-throated Myzomela is endemic to the island of New Guinea, where it is widely distributed across both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its range extends from the Vogelkop Peninsula in the west to the southeastern tip of the ...
Least Concern
- The Ruby-throated Myzomela is one of the smallest honeyeaters in the diverse Meliphagidae family. - Its scientific name, *Myzomela eques*, translates roughly to "sucker-bird knight," likely referring to the male's striking, almost regal, appearance. - Despite its vivid plumage, the male's ruby ...