Myzomela dammermani
The Sumba Myzomela (Myzomela dammermani) is a striking and charismatic honeyeater endemic to the island of Sumba in Indonesia. This small passerine typically measures around 10-12 cm in length and weighs approximately 6-8 grams. Males are particularly vibrant, sporting a vivid crimson red head, neck, and upper chest, which sharply contrasts with their glossy black back, wings, and tail. A distinct white patch often adorns the flanks and undertail coverts. Females are generally duller, exhibit...
This species primarily inhabits moist deciduous and evergreen forests, forest edges, and secondary growth woodlands across Sumba, from coastal lowlands up to higher elevations. It shows a preference for areas with abundant flowering trees and shrubs.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants and supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, often gleaning them from foliage and bark.
The Sumba Myzomela is a highly active, diurnal bird, often observed singly or in pairs, tirelessly flitting among flowering trees and shrubs. Its foraging strategy is primarily nectivorous, involving agile hovering and probing flowers with its specialized brush-tipped tongue, but it also gleans s...
The Sumba Myzomela is exclusively endemic to Sumba Island, located in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Its entire breeding and non-breeding range is confined to this single island, making it a classic example of an island specialist. There is no evidence of migration, and individuals are re...
Least Concern
- The Sumba Myzomela is a classic example of island endemism, found nowhere else in the world except the Indonesian island of Sumba. - Its scientific name, *dammermani*, honors Karel Willem Dammerman, a Dutch zoologist and museum director who worked extensively in Indonesia. - Despite its small s...