Zosterops atricapilla
The Black-capped White-eye (*Zosterops atricapilla*) is a vibrant, diminutive passerine, measuring approximately 10-11 cm in length and weighing around 8-12 grams. Its most striking feature, lending it its common name, is the distinct glossy black cap that extends from the forehead to the nape, contrasting sharply with its bright olive-green upperparts and yellow-washed whitish underparts. While lacking the prominent, complete white eye-ring characteristic of many *Zosterops* species, it ofte...
This species primarily inhabits montane and submontane forests, including cloud forests and mossy forests, preferring elevations typically between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level on the island of Sumatra.
The Black-capped White-eye has a mixed diet consisting primarily of small insects and spiders, supplemented by nectar from flowering plants and small, soft fruits, often gleaned actively from foliage and flowers.
Black-capped White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds, constantly foraging and flitting through the forest canopy and understory. They are typically observed in small, cohesive flocks, sometimes mixed with other small insectivorous species, reflecting their highly social nature outside of the ...
The Black-capped White-eye is endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, where it is found across the major montane regions. Its distribution spans various mountain ranges, from the northern Aceh region southwards through the Barisan Mountains. While no significant migration corridors exist, th...
Least Concern
- The Black-capped White-eye was long considered a subspecies of the Mountain White-eye (*Zosterops montanus*), highlighting the complexity of white-eye taxonomy. - Despite its common name, it often lacks the prominent, complete white eye-ring found in many other *Zosterops* species, making its i...