The Bougainville white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found on Bougainville Island. Its natural habitat is in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The Bougainville white-eye was formerly considered a subspecies of the grey-throated white-eye.
Region
Northern Solomon Islands Archipelago
Typical Environment
Confined to the higher elevations of Bougainville Island, where it inhabits subtropical to tropical moist montane and mossy forests. It frequents forest edges, canopy gaps, and secondary montane growth, and occasionally descends along ridges. The species is most commonly encountered in the mid- to upper canopy but will drop lower to feed at fruiting shrubs. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided mature forest patches remain nearby.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This white-eye is restricted to Bougainville Island’s uplands and was long treated as a subspecies of the Grey-throated White-eye before being elevated to full species. It is an energetic canopy forager that often joins mixed-species flocks. The bold white eye-ring that gives the family its name is prominent even in dim montane forest light.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it travels in small, vocal parties and often joins mixed-species flocks with other montane insectivores. Pairs form during the breeding period and defend small territories. The nest is a small, neat cup suspended in foliage, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast series of thin, high-pitched twitters and tsee notes, often delivered in short bursts while foraging. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, helping flock members keep in touch in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a greyer throat and breast, grading to yellowish underparts and vent. Feathers are smooth and close, giving a sleek appearance. The face shows a crisp white periocular ring contrasting with dusky lores.
Diet
Takes small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowers and soft fruits such as berries, especially when arthropods are less abundant. Foraging is agile and methodical, with frequent hovering snatches at leaf tips.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of montane and mossy forests, including along edges and clearings. Will use secondary growth and fruiting shrubs near forest margins.
