Myzomela sclateri
The Sclater's Myzomela (Myzomela sclateri) is a diminutive and striking member of the honeyeater family, Meliphagidae, endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago. Measuring typically 10-11 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-9 grams, it is characterized by its small size and vibrant plumage. Adult males are entirely glossy black, except for a brilliant scarlet-red rump and uppertail-coverts that provide a crucial identification mark. Females share a similar pattern but are generally duller, with less...
Primarily inhabits lowland and hill forests, forest edges, and disturbed secondary growth, typically found from sea level up to 1000 meters, occasionally reaching 1400 meters.
Primarily feeds on nectar extracted from various flowering plants using its specialized brush-tipped tongue, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage.
Sclater's Myzomela is a highly active and agile diurnal bird, constantly flitting and hovering through the canopy and sub-canopy in search of sustenance. Roosting likely occurs communally or solitarily in dense foliage. Its foraging strategy is specialized for nectar feeding, with individuals ade...
The Sclater's Myzomela is strictly endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, an island group north of mainland Papua New Guinea. Its distribution encompasses the larger islands of New Britain and New Ireland, as well as numerous smaller associated islands such as Umboi, Long, Witu, Lihir, Tabar, Tanga...
Least Concern
- The Sclater's Myzomela is named after Philip Lutley Sclater, a prominent 19th-century British ornithologist who served as Secretary of the Zoological Society of London for over 40 years. - It is one of the smaller species within the diverse Myzomela genus, which comprises over 30 species across...