Zosterops senegalensis
The Northern Yellow White-eye, *Zosterops senegalensis*, is a charming and widespread passerine of sub-Saharan Africa, instantly recognizable by its vivid white eye-ring contrasting with bright yellow irises. Measuring a dainty 10-12 cm in length and weighing 7-14 grams, its plumage is a striking yellowish-green on the upperparts, transitioning to a vibrant yellow on the throat, breast, and undertail coverts, while the belly is a paler yellow. Its slender, slightly decurved bill is perfectly ...
Primarily found in a wide variety of open woodlands, savannas, acacia scrub, riparian zones, and secondary growth, including gardens and plantations. Occurs from sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters in elevation.
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on a wide range of insects (caterpillars, beetles, aphids), nectar from various flowers, and soft fruits such as berries and figs. Forages actively by gleaning, probing, and snatching.
Highly diurnal and remarkably active, the Northern Yellow White-eye is often seen flitting restlessly through foliage, especially outside the breeding season when it forms gregarious flocks of 10 to 30 or more individuals, frequently joining mixed-species foraging parties. Its foraging strategy i...
The Northern Yellow White-eye is broadly distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, occupying a vast range from the Atlantic coast of Senegal and Gambia in the west, eastward through the Sahel and savanna belts to Ethiopia and Somalia, and extending southward through much of Central and East Africa d...
Least Concern
- The Northern Yellow White-eye is an important pollinator, frequently visiting flowers to consume nectar and, in the process, aiding in plant reproduction across its African range. - Despite their small size, white-eyes are incredibly social, often forming large, bustling flocks of dozens of ind...