Zosterops xanthochroa
The Green-backed White-eye (Zosterops xanthochroa) is a charming and active passerine, endemic to the islands of New Caledonia. Measuring approximately 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches) in length and weighing a mere 9-11 grams, its diminutive size belies its vibrant appearance. Distinctive field marks include its bright olive-green back, a contrasting yellow throat and upper breast, and a clean white belly, all accentuated by the prominent, characteristic white eye-ring that gives the "white-eye" fam...
This species thrives in a variety of forested habitats, including humid evergreen and dry forests, woodland edges, and even modified landscapes such as gardens and secondary growth, from sea level up to mountainous elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small arthropods, but also consumes nectar from flowers and small berries or fruits, actively gleaning and probing foliage.
The Green-backed White-eye is a highly social bird, often observed foraging in mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, moving energetically through the canopy and understory. Its foraging strategy involves active gleaning of insects from leaves and twigs, as well as probing flowers with...
The Green-backed White-eye is strictly endemic to the archipelago of New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Its distribution encompasses both the main island, Grande Terre, and several smaller surrounding islands, including Maré, Lifou, Ouvéa, and Î...
Least Concern
- The Green-backed White-eye is entirely endemic to New Caledonia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. - Despite its small size, it plays a significant ecological role as a pollinator for many native plants and a disperser of seeds in its island ecosystem. - Its family, Zosteropidae, i...