Imagine finding a tiny bird with a bright red belly fluttering around your garden. That is the Red-bellied Myzomela, a small bird species that is found in the Solomon Islands.
In this article, we will get to know more about their identification, different plumages, and molts.
Identification
Field Identification
The Red-bellied Myzomela is a small bird with a length of about 9-10 centimeters. They have a wingspan of around 11-12 centimeters and a weight of about 4-5 grams.
They have a short tail, stout bill, and long wings. Their upperparts are a mix of olive-green and black, and they have a red belly and rump.
Similar Species
Other Myzomela species that appear similar include the Bismarck Black Myzomela, which has a black face, throat, and rump, and the White-bellied Myzomela, which has a white underside. Red-bellied Myzomela, on the other hand, has olive tones on the upper part and red tones on the lower part of the body.
Plumages
Molts
The Red-bellied Myzomela goes through a complete body molt after breeding season.
Breeding season is from January to July, and molting begins in August, each year.
Over time, feathers experience wear and tear, losing their water-repelling and heat-trapping properties. Hence, to keep performing at optimal levels, new feathers must replace old ones.
Molting lasts up to two months. The Red-bellied Myzomela has a juvenile and adult plumage.
Juvenile plumage, which is exhibited by chicks and young birds, is dull and has a brownish upper section. They have a brownish underpart, and their breasts are marked with indistinct streaks.
In contrast, adult plumage has olive-green on the upper part and bright red on the lower part. They have a black bill, glossy purple eyes, and deeply forked tail feathers.
Adult males have a large red patch on their throat, while females have little or no red patch. At the same time, some adult females may have too much red on the throat, while others may not have any.
This characteristic makes the sexes harder to tell apart, even when viewed at close range.
Conclusion
The Red-bellied Myzomela is a tiny species of bird that usually goes unnoticed. These birds have distinctive features on their red bellies that make them easy to spot, especially during the breeding season.
They have beautiful plumage, which changes from the juvenile to the mature form. The species go through a two-month molt after the breeding season, and their plumage changes as they age.
Did you know that the Red-bellied Myzomela isn’t the only species of Myzomela? Other species are the Bismarck Black Myzomela, which are black-faced, and the White-bellied Myzomela, which are white on the underside.
Therefore, in places such as the Solomon Islands, spotting these birds is an exciting pastime for both bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Systematics History
The Red-bellied Myzomela, scientifically referred to as Myzomela malaitae, belongs to the Meliphagidae family of birds. This family comprises honeyeaters, which are found in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia.
The taxonomy of the family was established in the early 1800s, and since then, there have been several changes.
Geographic Variation
The Red-bellied Myzomela is found throughout the Solomon Islands archipelago. The Solomon Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea, and north-east of Australia.
These islands have a unique landscape consisting of islands, lagoons, atolls, and coral reefs. The Myzomela malaitae is distributed widely across the archipelago, preferring the forest edge and secondary forest habitats.
Subspecies
Historical records show a great deal of geographic variation in the morphology of the Red-bellied Myzomela throughout the Solomon Islands. The species has been recorded in more than ten subspecies.
So far, the following have been scientifically described: M. m.
malaitae, M. m.
efluvia, M. m.
lethopolis, M. m.
badia, M. m.
clarionensis, M. m.
erythrocycla, M. m.
fumosiventris, M. m.
perkinsae, M. m.
seheri, M. m.
sorticeps, and M. m.
susanae. The subspecies M.
m. malaitae is found on the island of Malaita.
The other subspecies are distributed widely across the archipelago, with M. m.
perkinsae found on Anuta Island, M. m.
fumosiventris found on Rennell Island, and M. m.
clarionensis found on the island of Choiseul.
Related Species
The Red-bellied Myzomela is a part of a group of honeyeaters in the genus Myzomela. This group includes species that share similar morphological features, such as the black, slender bill, and color patterns.
The Myzomela malaitae is closely related to the White-collared Myzomela (Myzomela pammelaena), which is a species found on the islands of Buka, Bougainville, and the Shortland Islands. The closely related species differ in morphology and differ from other species in the Meliphagidae family, including the larger-sized and differently colored Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker (Dicaeum nehrkorni) and Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica).
The Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker is noticeably larger than the Red-bellied Myzomela, and it has a crimson crown and grayish-brown back and underparts. The Metallic Starling, on the other hand, has an iridescent green-blue color, giving it a metallic appearance.
Historical Changes to Distribution
Historical records show that the Red-bellied Myzomela once had a more extensive range than it does today. However, its distribution has changed over time due to various natural and anthropogenic factors.
The archipelago has gone through periods of sea-level fluctuations that have changed the islands’ size and shape. This has resulted in islands becoming fragmented, resulting in isolated populations of plants and animals.
Furthermore, the Solomon Islands have experienced habitat destruction through logging, mining, agriculture, and other human-related activities. These actions have led to fragmentation and the loss of native forests, which serve as habitats for the Myzomela malaitae.
Additionally, the introduction of invasive species such as rats, feral cats, and pigs has contributed to the decline of the bird’s population. These invasive species consume their eggs and young or prey on adult birds, decreasing their sustainable population.
In conclusion, the Red-bellied Myzomela is a fascinating bird species found in the Solomon Islands. The amazing diversity of subspecies found within the archipelago showcases the species’ ability to adapt to different environments.
Historical records reveal that the species has undergone changes in its distribution over time due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Despite these challenges, the Red-bellied Myzomela remains a symbol of the Solomon Island’s rich biodiversity.
Habitat
The Red-bellied Myzomela is an adaptable bird that is found in a wide array of habitat types within the Solomon Islands. They are usually seen in forest edges, secondary growth woodland, mangroves, and gardens near human habitation.
On occasion, they can also be seen in unspoilt primary forests or anthropogenic forest clearings. Although these habitats accommodate the species, the preference is for secondary growth habitats where they find a wide variety of food sources.
Movements and Migration
The Red-bellied Myzomela is a non-migratory bird. It is considered a resident species as it remains in one location throughout the year.
Occasionally, these birds may move around within their territory during non-breeding times. They tend to move further into inland locations if drought conditions affect their normal feeding habitats.
Breeding activity in the Red-bellied Myzomela coincides with seasonal climatic changes and the availability of food, which varies across the Solomon Islands.
Breeding behavior varies from island to island, contributing to the differences in the morphological traits of the various subspecies found within the region.
Breeding activity in Malaita is preceded by the onset of the first rains, usually in late December or early January. In contrast, Choiseul Island records an extended breeding period between May and November.
The first signs of breeding may include bird song, followed by the male showing off his red throat to either prospective partners or other males as a sign of territorial dominance. Once breeding is complete, the Red-bellied Myzomela begins to undergo its annual moult, and the birds grow new feathers to replace their old ones.
Molting has been observed mainly between August and September, during which time birds are less active and may be harder to spot. In the case of forest destruction through natural causes or anthropogenic activity, the Red-bellied Myzomela may shift to new areas, provided that food and nesting sites are available.
These birds may also move to new areas in search of honeydew, a sugar-rich solution secreted by insects. Honeydew is an important food source for honeyeaters and other species in the Meliphagidae family.
In conclusion, the Red-bellied Myzomela is a non-migratory bird that remains in one location throughout the year. They occupy secondary growth forests and forest clearings, feeding on nectar, fruit, and insects.
These birds may shift their location to find new sources of food or nesting sites, but their range typically does not extend beyond the borders of the Solomon Islands. Like other honeyeater species, the Red-bellied Myzomela plays an essential ecological role as pollinators and seed dispersers.
Therefore, conservation measures to safeguard these bird species could have positive knock-on effects on other species in the region.
Diet and Foraging
Feeding
The Red-bellied Myzomela is a nectarivorous species, and its diet consists of nectar, fruit, and insects. They feed mostly on nectar, which is extracted from flowers using their long, slender bills, and their tongues exposed, lapping them up like a straw.
They feed exclusively on flowering plants from a vast variety of families that range from the Myrtaceae, Sapindaceae to Leguminosae. These flowers provide them with a rich source of nectar and pollen, which help provide the necessary sugar and protein in their diet.
Diet
In addition to nectar, the Red-bellied Myzomela feeds on fruits that include berries and small fruits. They also feed on insects, which are an important source of protein, where they catch them on foliage and on flowers.
Some of the insects they feed include ants, spiders, and other small arthropods. They consume small amounts of seeds, but they do not play a significant role in their overall diet.
Metabolism and Temperature Regulation
Obtaining nectar is energy-intensive, and the Red-bellied Myzomela has a unique mechanism to maintain their high metabolic rate. They have a torpor mechanism that reduces their body temperature and metabolic rate during cycles of inactivity, ranging from nightly torpor to long-period torpor during the day.
This adaptation allows them to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions when food is scarce.
Sounds and Vocal Behavior
Vocalization
The Red-bellied Myzomela is generally known for its vocalization and can produce a wide range of sounds that consist of harsh and metallic, high pitched and short notes. Males are more vocal than females, and their vocalization is typically part of courtship behavior, which includes song and display.
The males produce a series of chirps, warbles, and trills, which they use to showcase their red throat in courtship rituals. These vocalizations usually occur during the breeding season and are directed towards other males or prospective mates.
Females have a less developed vocal structure, but they occasionally produce notes that are an essential part of mating behavior. They also, sometimes produce calls to defend their territory from rival females, but their calling behavior is less frequent than that of males.
Red-bellied Myzomelas also use a combination of body posture, head movement, and wing flicking to convey threat, aggression, and dominance to other species within their habitat. In conclusion, the Red-bellied Myzomela is an adaptable species that feeds primarily on nectar, fruits, and insects.
They have a unique metabolism that allows them to conserve energy during inactive periods by reducing their body temperature and metabolic rate. The species are known for their remarkable high-pitched, short notes and metallic songs during the breeding season, and this is usually part of a courtship ritual.
Female birds have a less developed vocal structure, and their calling pattern is mostly for territorial defense from rival females. Overall, the Red-bellied Myzomela is a prevalent bird species in the Solomon Islands, where it contributes significantly to the region’s biodiversity.
Behavior
Locomotion
The Red-bellied Myzomela has an energetic character, and they are known for their quick, darting flights as they move between flowers, fruits, and insects. They move quickly through trees and shrubs, using their short tails for balance and direction control while hovering on the spot to reach flowers.
They have short wings that are adapted for quick movements and agile flights through dense vegetation.
Self-Maintenance
Another characteristic behavior of Red-bellied Myzomela is their feather fluffing and preening behaviors. These behaviors are essential for their survival and well-being as they help signal that the bird is healthy and that it is free of parasites such as mites, lice, and ticks.
It also helps the birds to distribute oil from their preen gland, which is necessary for feather maintenance and to waterproof and insulate the birds.
Agonistic Behavior
Agonistic behavior is prevalent in Red-bellied Myzomela, especially during breeding seasons when competition for mates and food is high. Agonistic behavior is exhibited through territorial displays, chasing, and fighting between individuals.
These actions also help to preserve pair bonds and secure individual fitness.
Sexual Behavior
The Red-bellied Myzomela is a polygamous species, meaning that males mate with multiple females. Male birds attract mates by displaying their red throat, which is a sign of male fitness and dominance.
Male birds perform courtship displays by perching on higher ground, calling, and flapping their wings, showcasing their physical strength and ability to provide resources. Females choose their mate based on the male’s physical displays, which correlate with their potential genetic fitness.
Breeding
The Red-bellied Myzomela exhibits breeding behavior throughout the year, but peak breeding periods are from January to July in Malaita Island. In Choiseul, breeding is less predictable and can occur from May to November.
During nesting, both parents participate in the incubation process, which lasts around 12 to 14 days. After hatching, nestling care takes about 14 to 15 days before the chicks fledge and leave the nest.
After fledging, the juvenile birds will start exhibiting behaviors like the adult birds.
Demography and Populations
Historically, the populations of Red-bellied Myzomela have been on the decline, particularly in areas where habitat is lost, and invasive species are present. The loss of breeding habitats through forest destruction is significant to the Red-bellied Myzomela’s reproductive success, making conservation measures critical to sustain the species.
Currently, the Red-bellied Myzomela has been classified as a species of least concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, mostly because they can adapt to a range of habitat types. However, continued habitat destruction and degradation are the main drivers of population loss, highlighting the need for stronger conservation measures.
In conclusion, the Red-bellied Myzomela’s behavior encompasses several vital characteristics of its success as a species, including energetic locomotion, self-maintenance, and agonistic and sexual behavior.
Breeding behavior occurs throughout the year, with peak periods during the wet season.
Although the population is currently considered to be of least concern, continued destruction of habitat and the presence of invasive species threatens their populations. Therefore, conservation measures aimed at reducing these threats are essential to their survival.
In conclusion, the Red-bellied Myzomela, a small bird species found in the Solomon Islands, has unique characteristics in terms of its identification, plumages, related species, habitat, movements, diet, vocalization, behavior, breeding, and populations. The populations of the Red-bellied Myzomela, although currently classified as a species of least concern, face significant threats from habitat loss, degradation, and invasive species.