Zosterops fuscicapilla
The Capped White-eye (Zosterops fuscicapilla) is a diminutive yet distinctive passerine, instantly recognizable by its defining dark brown to black cap that sharply contrasts with the characteristic white eye-ring, a hallmark of its genus. Averaging 11-12 cm in length and weighing a mere 8-10 grams, it boasts olive-green upperparts, a vibrant yellowish throat and undertail coverts, and greyish flanks, creating a subtle yet elegant plumage. This species belongs to the Zosteropidae family, a di...
This species primarily inhabits montane primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and occasionally extends into disturbed areas or gardens. It thrives at elevations typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level, occasionally being found as low as 800m or as high as 3,500m.
Their diet primarily consists of small insects and other arthropods, supplemented significantly by nectar obtained by probing flowers and small berries or fruits.
Capped White-eyes are highly active diurnal birds, constantly on the move through the forest canopy and subcanopy, exhibiting an almost restless energy. They employ a combination of gleaning, probing, and hovering to acquire food, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks outside the breeding s...
The Capped White-eye is entirely endemic to the rugged and species-rich island of New Guinea. Its distribution spans the central mountain ranges, including significant presence across the Snow Mountains (Jayawijaya Mountains) in the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, extending eastward...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'fuscicapilla' literally means 'dark-haired' or 'dark-capped,' perfectly describing its most distinctive feature. - Capped White-eyes are endemic to the island of New Guinea, making them a special sight for birders visiting this unique region. - They are often seen as key po...