Zosterops paruhbesar
The Wangi-wangi White-eye, *Zosterops paruhbesar*, is a small, enigmatic passerine endemic to the tiny island of Wangi-wangi in the Wakatobi Archipelago of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Measuring approximately 12.5 cm in length, this species is most strikingly characterized by its noticeably large and pale horn-colored bill, a feature reflected in its scientific name, 'paruhbesar' meaning 'large beak' in Indonesian. Its plumage consists of dark olive-green upperparts, head, and flanks, contr...
Found in lowland and hill primary and secondary forests, forest edges, mangroves, and disturbed vegetated areas, typically at elevations up to 200 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark; also supplements its diet with nectar from flowers and small berries or fruits.
The Wangi-wangi White-eye is an active, diurnal bird, typically observed foraging in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of its forest habitat. It employs a gleaning and probing technique, meticulously searching foliage, twigs, and flowers for insects and nectar. Often seen in pairs or small family ...
The Wangi-wangi White-eye is an extreme island endemic, exclusively found on Wangi-wangi Island, one of the main islands within the Wakatobi Archipelago of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its entire known distribution is confined to this single island, which measures only about 15.6 kilometers in ...
Critically Endangered
- This species was only formally described by science in 2021, making it one of the newest avian discoveries. - Its scientific name, *paruhbesar*, literally translates to 'large beak' in Indonesian, referring to its most distinctive physical feature. - It is endemic to a single, small island (Wan...