Scarlet Myzomela
Myzomela sanguinolenta
The Scarlet Myzomela (Myzomela sanguinolenta) is a uncommon honeyeater found only in Australia, weighing about 8 g. The scarlet myzomela or scarlet honeyeater is a small passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to Australia.
About the Scarlet Myzomela
The scarlet myzomela or scarlet honeyeater is a small passerine bird of the honeyeater family Meliphagidae native to Australia. It was first described by English ornithologist John Latham in 1801. At 9 to 11 cm long, it is the smallest honeyeater in Australia. It has a short tail and relatively long down-curved bill. It is sexually dimorphic; the male is a striking bright red with black wings, while the female is entirely brown. The species is more vocal than most honeyeaters, and a variety of calls have been recorded, including a bell-like tinkling.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The smallest honeyeater native to Australia, the scarlet myzomela is a distinctive bird with a compact body, short tail and relatively long down-curved black bill and dark brown iris. It is between 9 and 11 cm (3.5 and 4.3 in) long, with an average wingspan of 18 cm (7.1 in) and a weight of 8 g (0.28 oz). It has relatively long wings for its size; when the wings are folded, the longest primary feathers reach over half the length of the tail. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the male much more brightly coloured than the female.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Scarlet Myzomela?
- The smallest honeyeater native to Australia, the scarlet myzomela is a distinctive bird with a compact body, short tail and relatively long down-curved black bill and dark brown iris. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Scarlet Myzomela?
- The Scarlet Myzomela is a tiny sized bird weighing about 8 g.
- Where can you see a Scarlet Myzomela?
- The Scarlet Myzomela is endemic to Australia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Scarlet Myzomela?
- The Scarlet Myzomela is most easily confused with the Dusky Myzomela, the Red-headed Myzomela and the Micronesian Myzomela.
- Is the Scarlet Myzomela endangered?
- The Scarlet Myzomela is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Scarlet Myzomela for real
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