Samoan Myzomela

Myzomela nigriventris

A small, strikingly plumaged myzomela with a bright crimson-red head, chest, back, and rump and black wings, belly, and tail. Thin bill decurved. Female mostly grayish-olive with a bright red rump. Prefers forest habitats, but widespread. Unique coloration of both sexes should identify this species with certainty. Vocally shy. Common call is a high-pitched, insect-like “tseet.”

Identification

The Samoan myzomela (Myzomela nigriventris) is a species of passerine bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae that is found on the Samoan islands of Upolu, Savaiʻi and Tutuila. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical mangrove forest. It frequents areas with flowers, such as gardens. This is a small, active bird, measuring about 10–12.5 cm (3.9–4.9 in) in overall length. Males are black with a bright red head and breast. Females are brownish-olive, with scattered patches of red on the lower rump and back. Its long, curved bill is especially adapted for reaching into flowers for nectar.

Taxonomy

Genus: Myzomela; Family: Meliphagidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Myzomela nigriventris
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Meliphagidae
Genus
Myzomela

Photos

Other Birds

Gray-headed Bristlebill

Gray-headed Bristlebill

Bleda canicapillus

An unusual and colorful rainforest bulbul. The back and tail are dark olive-green, the head mostly gray, and the underparts yellow. There are yellow spots at the corners of the tail. Found in the understory of rainforest, gallery forest, and lush secondary habitat. Sometimes joins mixed flocks and follows ant swarms. The calls include chirpy notes and piercing whistles. The song is a series of jolly whistles that usually descend. Similar to Green-tailed Bristlebill, but separated by the gray rather than olive-green head, as well as the lack of blue bare skin above the eye. Also similar to Red-tailed Bristlebill, but easily separated by the green tail. In the very small area of overlap with Lesser Bristlebill, separated by the gray head and the lack of a yellow spot on the face. 

Lilac-tailed Parrotlet

Lilac-tailed Parrotlet

Touit batavicus

Small parrot of rainforest regions. Generally uncommon; distinctive black-and green plumage and purple tail render it unmistakable on the rare occasions it is seen well. Often first detected high overhead in large flocks that may bypass observers entirely, or else descend into forest canopy to feed quietly on flowers and fruit. Flight call is a strident, purring squeal.

Loggerhead Kingbird

Loggerhead Kingbird

Tyrannus caudifasciatus

A large flycatcher, mostly found in wooded areas, where it hunts from middle to upper level perches. It is grayish above and whitish below, and usually has a blackish crown and face. Most populations of this species have grayish tail band. Resembles Eastern Kingbird, but Eastern has a bolder white tail band and smaller bill than Loggerhead. The similar Gray Kingbird has a paler head with a dusky mask and a notched tail, whereas the tail is usually squared-off in Loggerhead. Giant Kingbird has a heftier bill and lacks whitish tail band present on Loggerhead. Calls include various trills and chatters.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.