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Overview
Anjouan white-eye

Anjouan white-eye

Wikipedia

The Anjouan white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae.

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Distribution

Region

Comoros Archipelago

Typical Environment

Confined to the island of Anjouan in the western Indian Ocean. It occupies a range of wooded habitats including evergreen forest remnants, secondary scrub, coconut groves, and agroforestry mosaics. The species frequently visits village gardens and edges where flowering and fruiting plants are abundant. It moves through mid-story and canopy layers, gleaning foliage and probing blossoms.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm
Wing Span16–18 cm
Male Weight0.01 kg
Female Weight0.009 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The Anjouan white-eye is a small, active passerine in the family Zosteropidae, notable for its bright white eye-ring. It adapts well to secondary growth, plantations, and gardens, which helps it persist despite habitat loss on Anjouan. Like many white-eyes, it forages in busy flocks outside the breeding season. Its thin, tinkling song and constant contact calls make it easier to detect than to see.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often forms small, chattering flocks outside the breeding season and joins mixed-species foraging groups. Pairs build a small, neat cup nest suspended in shrubs or small trees. Both parents typically participate in nest building and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A thin, tinkling series of high-pitched notes interspersed with rapid trills. Contact calls are soft, sibilant chips given frequently while foraging.

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