Zosterops griseotinctus
The Louisiade White-eye (Zosterops griseotinctus) is a small, active passerine bird belonging to the family Zosteropidae, renowned for its distinctive white eye-ring. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length and weighing between 9-13 grams, this species exhibits olive-green upperparts that contrast with greyish-white to pale yellow underparts. Its most striking field mark is the broad, prominent white ring encircling its eye, complemented by a dark bill and greyish legs. There is no discern...
Found in a variety of lowland ecosystems, including open forest, secondary growth, plantations, gardens, and mangroves, often close to coastal areas up to 1000m elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a variety of small insects like caterpillars, beetles, ants, and flies. It also supplements its diet with nectar and small fruits or berries.
This diurnal species is highly active, often observed foraging in pairs or small family groups, and outside the breeding season, frequently joins mixed-species flocks. They are agile foragers, gleaning insects from foliage and bark, and daintily sipping nectar from flowers. During the breeding se...
The Louisiade White-eye is endemic to a collection of archipelagos off the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. Its primary distribution encompasses the Louisiade Archipelago, including islands like Misima, Tagula (Sudest), and Rossel, as well as the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, specifically Goodenough, ...
Least Concern
- This species is strictly insular, found only on the archipelagos off eastern Papua New Guinea and never on the mainland. - Its scientific name, 'griseotinctus,' literally means 'grey-tinged,' referring to the subtle greyish wash on its underparts. - The Zosterops genus, to which it belongs, is ...