The bare-eyed white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Rennell Island, inhabiting tropical lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It adapts well to disturbed habitats and also visits village gardens with flowering shrubs and fruiting trees. Birds move actively through the lower to mid-canopy, gleaning from leaves and twigs. The species can be found in both primary limestone forest and regenerating scrub.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small white-eye is unique among many of its relatives for showing a patch of bare skin around the eye instead of the classic white feathered eye-ring. It is confined to Rennell Island, where it is a common component of forest bird communities. By taking nectar and small fruits, it likely contributes to local pollination and seed dispersal. It often forages in busy, mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darting between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found in small flocks outside the breeding season and frequently joins mixed-species foraging parties. Breeding pairs build a small, neat cup nest suspended in shrubs or small trees. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care. Territoriality increases around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, thin series of high-pitched twitters and rapid chips delivered in short bursts. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, aiding flock cohesion while foraging.
Plumage
Compact white-eye with smooth, olive-green upperparts and paler yellow-tinged underparts; throat and vent often brighter yellow. Lacks the typical bold white feathered eye-ring, instead showing a patch of bare skin around the eye. Underparts may show grayish flanks with a clean, lightly colored belly.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, and pecks at small soft fruits. Opportunistic feeding allows it to exploit seasonal resources. It may hover briefly to access flowers.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to mid-canopy of forest, forest edge, and secondary growth. Frequently visits gardens and village plantings with flowering or fruiting plants. Often forages alongside other small passerines.
