The Bonin white-eye is a small species of songbird endemic to the Bonin Islands of Japan. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Apalopteron. The taxonomic affinities of the Bonin white-eye were a long-standing mystery and it was formerly placed with the bulbuls, babblers and more recently with the honeyeaters, during which it was known as the Bonin honeyeater. Since 1995 it is known to be a white-eye in the family Zosteropidae, that is closely related to the golden white-eye of the Marianas Islands.
Region
Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands, Northwestern Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs on forested islands of the Ogasawara archipelago, primarily in subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest, secondary woodland, and shrub thickets. It readily uses forest edges, plantation margins, and even village gardens where native trees and flowering plants are present. The species forages from understory to canopy and adapts well to a mosaic of native and regenerating habitats. It avoids areas with heavy invasive predator pressure and extensive urbanization.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 450 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island songbird is the sole member of the monotypic genus Apalopteron and is confined to Japan’s Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands. Long misclassified with honeyeaters and babblers, it is now firmly placed among the white-eyes (Zosteropidae) and is closely related to the golden white-eye. It is an active pollinator and seed disperser for several native plants, making it ecologically important within its limited range.
The Bonin white-eye lives in the Bonin Islands south of Japan
Calophyllum inophyllum, on Hahajima, the fruit of which are part of the diet of the Bonin white-eye
The Bonin white-eye can learn to feed on new food items by observing the warbling white-eye doing so.
The Bonin Islands (Hahajima pictured) have been protected to preserve the species
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, twisting flights through foliage
Social Behavior
Often moves in pairs or small, loose flocks outside the breeding season. Builds a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or trees, with both parents participating in care. Territorial around nest sites but tolerant in feeding areas, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, thin series of twitters and sweet warbles interspersed with sharp chips as contact calls. The song accelerates into rapid trills during territorial or courtship displays.
