Zosterops hamlini
The Bougainville White-eye, or Hamlin's White-eye, is a captivating small passerine endemic to the cloud-forested slopes of Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea. This active bird measures approximately 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and weighs between 10-14 grams, displaying the characteristic appearance of its genus. Its plumage features olive-green upperparts, a duller greenish-yellow wash on the flanks, and a pale yellow abdomen, all set off by the genus's defining feature: a conspicuous, clean...
This species primarily inhabits montane and submontane cloud forests, as well as high-elevation scrub and forest edges, typically found at elevations between 800 and 1,800 meters above sea level.
Their diet is omnivorous, primarily consisting of small insects and other invertebrates, supplemented significantly by nectar from flowering plants and small, soft fruits.
Bougainville White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds, often observed foraging solitarily, in pairs, or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks. Their foraging strategy involves agile gleaning of insects from foliage and bark, alongside probing flowers for nectar, showca...
The Bougainville White-eye is strictly endemic to Bougainville Island, which is part of Papua New Guinea in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its distribution is confined to the higher elevations of the island, typically inhabiting montane and submontane forests above 800 meters and extending up t...
Vulnerable
- The Bougainville White-eye is a true island endemic, found nowhere else on Earth but Bougainville Island. - Its scientific name, *hamlini*, honors Reverend H. Hamlin, who collected the type specimen. - White-eyes belong to one of the most speciose bird genera, *Zosterops*, known for rapid evolu...