Rukia longirostra
The Long-billed White-eye, *Rukia longirostra*, is a captivating passerine endemic to the islands of Palau, renowned for its distinctive elongated, decurved bill. Measuring approximately 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length, this small yet striking bird exhibits an olive-green plumage on its upperparts, transitioning to a yellowish-olive on its underparts, with a particularly pale yellow vent. While it bears the 'white-eye' moniker, its ocular ring is less pronounced than many of its Zosteropida...
Found exclusively in mature, undisturbed moist broadleaf forests, often frequenting the canopy and mid-story layers. It occurs from sea level up to the highest elevations on the Palauan islands.
Primarily nectar, which it sips from a variety of forest flowers, supplemented significantly by small insects and arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Occasionally consumes small fruits.
A highly active and arboreal species, the Long-billed White-eye is diurnal, spending its days foraging vigorously. It employs a specialized foraging strategy, utilizing its long, decurved bill to probe deep into flowers for nectar, while also gleaning insects from foliage and bark crevices with p...
The Long-billed White-eye is strictly endemic to the archipelago of Palau in Micronesia, Western Pacific. Its primary stronghold is the large island of Babeldaob, where it inhabits undisturbed mature broadleaf forests. It is also known to occur on several smaller, adjacent islands such as Koror, ...
Vulnerable
- The Long-billed White-eye is one of only three species in the genus *Rukia*, all of which are endemic to Micronesia. - Its extremely long, decurved bill is a prime example of co-evolution, perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from specific flower shapes. - Despite its name, its white eye-ring...