Sulphur-breasted Myzomela
Myzomela jugularis
A beautiful, intricately marked myzomela with a red cap (lacking in female) and throat, a black face, forehead, and back, a yellow chest, black wings with white spots and large olive patches, and grayish-white underparts. Rump vivid red. Undertail black with a white tip. Common in all habitats. Voice is a constant chattering of “chit-chit” and “sweet-sweet” calls.
Identification
The sulphur-breasted myzomela is 10 cm (4 in) long. The upperparts are black with a scarlet rump. The underparts are pale yellow-white. The curved bill and feet are black. The male has a scarlet crown.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myzomela jugularis
- Authority
- Peale, 1849
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Meliphagidae
- Genus
- Myzomela
Range and habitat
The sulphur-breasted myzomela is endemic to Fiji, where it is the smallest resident avian species. It breeds on all the islands except Rotuma. It is a familiar bird in gardens as well as rural forest and mangrove habitats, and also among coconut trees in disturbed areas. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
- Migration
- Nomadic movement
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Diademed Tapaculo
Scytalopus schulenbergi
Tiny gray bird with a short, stubby tail. Pale gray forehead and eyebrow form its namesake crown-like pattern, and distinguish the species from similar tapaculos; however, this gray pattern can be reduced and hard to see in females. Found in dense mossy undergrowth in elfin forest near the treeline. Extremely shy and heard far more often than seen; listen for its song, a loud, accelerating series of nasal complaining notes.
Spotted Sandgrouse
Pterocles senegallus
A medium-sized pallid and delicately-patterned sandgrouse. Pale and sandy overall. Note male’s silver-gray eyebrow and orange cheek and throat. Female has a paler version of the male’s pattern, as well as a speckled nape and chest. Lacks breast bands, unlike Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Very similar to Crowned Sandgrouse, but note the present species’ tail filaments and different facial pattern. Note the strong contrast in two-toned underwings when in flight. Flight call is a characteristic “Waka! Waka!” Favors sandy or stony desert plains where it breeds on the ground. Congregates to drink in waterholes in the morning, often flying back and forth over long distances in large flocks.
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Boldly patterned thrush is bright rusty-brown above with black spots on the white belly. Smaller than a robin, but larger than Hermit Thrush. Sticks to wooded areas, often hopping on the ground. More often heard than seen: listen for its incredible, flute-like song. Population is declining; winters in Central America.
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