Zosterops palpebrosus
The Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) is a diminutive and sprightly passerine bird, instantly recognizable by its prominent, complete white eye-ring against an otherwise drab, yet elegant, plumage. Measuring a mere 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) in length with a wingspan of approximately 12-14 cm and weighing 6-13 grams, it exhibits bright olive-green upperparts, a contrasting yellow throat and vent, and dull white to grayish underparts, often with a thin black loral stripe connecting the beak t...
Found in a wide array of habitats from tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests, mangroves, and scrublands to plantations, orchards, and urban gardens, typically from sea level up to 2,500 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small insects, caterpillars, and aphids, supplemented significantly by nectar from a variety of flowering plants and small, soft-skinned berries and fruits. Foraging involves gleaning from foliage, probing flowers, and hovering to snatch prey or nectar.
The Indian White-eye is a highly active, diurnal species, constantly on the move, flitting through foliage in search of food. Outside the breeding season, they are exceptionally social, forming large, often boisterous, flocks that can number in the dozens, frequently associating with mixed-specie...
The Indian White-eye boasts an extensive range across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its distribution spans virtually all of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, parts of southern China, and the Malay Peninsula. Within this vast are...
Least Concern
- The genus name "Zosterops" comes from ancient Greek, meaning "girdle-eye" or "eye-belt," referring to its distinctive white eye-ring. - Despite its small size, it plays an important role as a pollinator, transferring pollen between flowers as it sips nectar. - Indian White-eyes are highly socia...