Zosterops rennellianus
The Rennell White-eye, *Zosterops rennellianus*, is a petite and vibrant passerine endemic to the isolated Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length, its plumage is characterized by yellowish-olive upperparts that transition to a brighter yellow on its throat and underparts, particularly on the vent, offering a striking contrast. Its most defining field mark, typical of its genus, is a prominent, unbroken white eye-ring encircling a dark eye...
Primarily inhabits primary and secondary evergreen forest, including coastal forest and areas around Lake Tegano, ranging from sea level up to the island's highest points.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming various small invertebrates, supplemented with nectar from flowers and small berries or fruits.
Rennell White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds typically observed foraging singly, in pairs, or small conspecific flocks, and frequently participating in mixed-species foraging flocks, moving rapidly through the forest canopy and subcanopy. Their foraging strategy involves agile gleaning for...
The Rennell White-eye is strictly endemic to Rennell Island, the southernmost island in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its entire known breeding and year-round range is confined to this single island, a raised coral atoll. Within Rennell, it is distributed across the island's forested areas, fr...
Near Threatened
- The Rennell White-eye is a true island endemic, found nowhere else on Earth but the remote Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. - Its genus, *Zosterops*, is famous among ornithologists for its extraordinary ability to speciate rapidly on islands, often resulting in unique species like the Ren...