The
scarlet myzomela (
Myzomela sanguinolenta) is a small bird of the honeyeater family
Meliphagidae. At about 10 cm (4 in) long, it is the smallest honeyeater in Australia. It has a short tail and relatively long down-curved bill; the male is a striking bright red with black wings, while the female is entirely brown. The bird is more vocal than most honeyeaters, and a variety of calls have been recorded, including a bell-like tinkling. This male scarlet myzomela was photographed in
Windsor Downs Nature Reserve, New South Wales.
Photograph credit: John Harrison