Bismarck Black Myzomela
Myzomela pammelaena
A small, distinctive myzomela. Male is entirely black. Female is slightly duller grayish-black, juvenile more brown below with a fleshy yellow bill gape. Found in all habitats. Entirely black plumage diagnostic. Somewhat similar Ashy Myzomela is mostly lighter gray with a tiny red chin and indistinct olive wing patch. Male Black Sunbird has greenish throat and crown patches, and female has a light gray head. Bismarck Black Myzomela’s voice consists primarily of loud, harsh, scolding “schweer” sounds.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myzomela pammelaena
- Authority
- Sclater, PL, 1877
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Meliphagidae
- Genus
- Myzomela
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Whistling Green-Pigeon
Treron formosae
A variable green-pigeon of subtropical and tropical lowland broadleaf evergreen forests. Ryukyu subspecies readily approachable, sometimes found in parks and gardens; Taiwan subspecies more timid. Ryukyu and Taiwan subspecies sometimes considered separate species, as Taiwan birds are much smaller and have a rufous cap. Similar to White-bellied Green-Pigeon, but feathers around the legs never white, face less yellowish, and white edges of undertail coverts narrower. Song a low, whistling "poo-aa-poooo", rising and trilling at end, recalling a bamboo flute.
Rennell Fantail
Rhipidura rennelliana
Mostly mouse-brown with a slightly paler throat and a russet wingbar. Long tail, often fanned, has pale fringes. Avoids open areas, staying mostly in primary forest. The only fantail on Rennell. Common call is a high-pitched upslurred rasp.
African Pitta
Pitta angolensis
An unusual and beautiful bird that is rarely seen, even by those expressly looking for it. Note the buffy underparts, green back, red undertail, and bold facial pattern. Found on the floor of forest and dense thicket. Very shy, remaining motionless for long periods. At least some populations are migratory within Africa. The call is an explosive, liquid “phwit.” Can only be confused with Green-breasted Pitta, but separated by the lack of a dark-green breast.
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