The Biak white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the islands of Biak and Supiori in West Papua, Indonesia.
Region
Cenderawasih Bay islands, Western New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs on Biak and Supiori, using lowland and foothill rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also frequents gardens, coconut groves, and scrubby areas near settlements. The species forages from understory to canopy, often tracking flowering and fruiting trees. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but relies on wooded habitats for feeding and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is confined to the islands of Biak and Supiori in Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia. It often forages in active, chattering groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks. Like many white-eyes, it has a conspicuous white orbital ring that makes identification straightforward. Its restricted range makes it sensitive to habitat changes on these islands.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, vocal parties and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Pairs likely form during the breeding season, building small cup nests in shrubs or trees. Territories are defended around nest sites, but foraging remains largely communal.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick, high-pitched series of thin twitters and warbles, often delivered in bursts. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant tsee notes exchanged continuously within the flock.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellow throat and breast grading to a paler whitish belly; clean, well-defined white eye-ring. Wings and tail are dusky-olive with fine edging; underparts are smooth without heavy streaking.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, and small soft fruits and berries. Will hawk briefly for aerial insects and probe blossoms with its fine bill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from midstory to canopy in forest edges, secondary woodland, and gardens with flowering trees. Regularly visits fruiting shrubs and coastal groves when resources are abundant.
