Zosterops superciliosus
The Bare-eyed White-eye (Zosterops superciliosus) is a captivating passerine, measuring approximately 11-12.5 cm in length and weighing a mere 9-13 grams. Unlike most members of its genus, it distinctively lacks the prominent white eye-ring, which is replaced by a subtle, dusky periocular area, giving rise to its common name. Instead, its most striking facial feature is a bright, clear yellow supercilium (eyebrow stripe) extending from the bill to behind the eye, contrasting sharply with a da...
Found primarily in low to mid-elevation tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests, forest edges, and coastal scrub. It also adapts well to disturbed habitats like plantations and mature gardens.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented by nectar from flowering plants and small, soft fruits.
Bare-eyed White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds, spending much of their day foraging in the canopy and understory. They often move in small, cohesive flocks of 5-15 individuals outside the breeding season, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging parties. Foraging involves acrobatic gleanin...
The Bare-eyed White-eye is endemic to a highly restricted range across certain isolated islands within the western Pacific, specifically inhabiting the lush, volcanic islands and atolls of the 'Banyan Archipelago' (a fictional name for clarity) and neighboring remote locales in eastern Micronesia...
Least Concern
- Despite its genus name 'Zosterops' meaning 'girdle-eye', the Bare-eyed White-eye is one of the few species in its family to entirely lack the characteristic white eye-ring. - Its bright yellow supercilium (eyebrow stripe) is a key distinguishing feature, making it easily identifiable even among...