The bridled white-eye is a species of white-eye native to the Mariana Islands and formerly Guam. The species' natural habitat is tropical forests, shrublands and urban areas.
Region
Micronesia (Mariana Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on several of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan, Tinian, and Aguijan, and formerly on Guam. It inhabits native limestone and secondary forests, coastal thickets, scrub, and urban gardens. The species readily uses edge habitats and regenerating vegetation where flowering shrubs and fruiting trees are common. It forages from the understory to the canopy, often along forest margins and in disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This energetic white-eye is endemic to the Mariana Islands and was extirpated from Guam following the introduction of the brown tree snake. It forages in chattering flocks and often joins mixed-species groups. By feeding on nectar and small fruits, it acts as both a pollinator and seed disperser in native forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, noisy flocks and may join mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs build a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or small trees, with both parents involved in care. Breeding can occur through much of the year in suitable conditions, with peaks following rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin, rapid twittering interspersed with short warbles and soft trills. Contact calls are sharp tsip or tsee notes exchanged frequently within flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish throat and vent, paler whitish to yellowish underparts. Clean, bold white eye-ring set off by a dark mask that forms a 'bridle' across the lores and forehead. Feathers are smooth and compact, giving a sleek, neat appearance.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, along with nectar from blossoms and small soft fruits and berries. It probes flowers and foliage with a fine bill and occasionally hawks tiny insects on the wing. Seasonal availability of blooms and fruit influences foraging choices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in gardens where flowering shrubs and fruiting trees are common. Frequently forages in the midstory to canopy but will descend to low shrubs in scrub and urban plantings.
