Zosterops semperi
The Citrine White-eye (Zosterops semperi) is a vibrant, small passerine endemic to the southern Philippines, celebrated for its distinctive appearance and active demeanor. Measuring approximately 10.5 to 11.5 cm in length, this species is immediately recognizable by its bright citrine yellow underparts, which contrast sharply with olive-green upperparts. A prominent white eye-ring, characteristic of the *Zosterops* genus, encircles a dark eye, further accentuated by dark lores extending from ...
Primarily inhabiting primary and secondary moist tropical forests, the Citrine White-eye also adapts to forest edges, cultivated areas, and plantations, ranging from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 1,500 meters.
This omnivorous species feeds primarily on a variety of small insects and spiders, supplementing its diet with nectar from various flowering plants and small, soft fruits or berries. They forage by gleaning from leaves, probing flowers, and hovering to snatch prey.
Citrine White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds, constantly moving through the canopy and sub-canopy. They forage energetically, often in small, cohesive groups or as part of larger mixed-species flocks, demonstrating social tendencies throughout the non-breeding season. Their foraging strate...
The Citrine White-eye is strictly endemic to the Philippines, with its distribution centered within the Mindanao Faunal Region and surrounding Visayan islands. Its primary breeding range encompasses the islands of Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Camiguin Sur, Dinagat, and Siargao. There are ...
Least Concern
- The Citrine White-eye's scientific name, *semperi*, honors Dr. Carl Semper, a German zoologist who collected extensively in the Philippines. - Their bright citrine yellow underparts are a key identifying feature, making them one of the more vibrantly colored white-eyes in the Philippines. - Lik...