Black-ringed White-eye

Zosterops anomalus

The Black-ringed White-eye (Zosterops anomalus) is a captivating passerine endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length, this small, sprightly bird is characterized by its bright olive-green upperparts, contrasting with greyish-white underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, and the source of its common name, is a prominent white eye-ring further accentuated by a narrow, bold black outer ring – a feature that sets it apart from many congeners. Ta...

Habitat

Primarily inhabits montane and submontane evergreen forests, forest edges, and disturbed areas like plantations. Typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters above sea level.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects (caterpillars, beetles, flies) and nectar, supplemented with small fruits and berries. Forages actively by gleaning and probing.

Behavior

Black-ringed White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds, often observed foraging in the canopy and subcanopy of their forest habitat. Outside the breeding season, they frequently form noisy, mixed-species flocks, moving agilely through foliage in search of food. Their foraging strategies involve...

Range

The Black-ringed White-eye is strictly endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, inhabiting its central and southwestern mountainous regions. Its distribution is primarily concentrated within the montane and submontane forests, extending across several isolated mountain ranges. While no signi...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The 'black ring' around its white eye-ring is a unique identifier among the numerous white-eye species, making it easily distinguishable. - It is a true island endemic, found nowhere else in the world except the mountainous regions of Sulawesi, Indonesia. - Despite its relatively restricted ran...

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