The Buru white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Indonesian islands, including the island of Buru which gives its name. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The species occupy an area of larger than 20,000 km2 and is thought to have a stable population of above 10,000, and thus are not considered as threatened.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Buru Island in Indonesia, occupying subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and sometimes well-vegetated gardens near forest. Most foraging takes place in the mid to upper canopy, but it will also descend to fruiting shrubs. The species tolerates moderate habitat disturbance where native vegetation persists.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Buru white-eye is a small forest songbird known for its bold white eye-ring and lively, social behavior. It forages actively in the mid to upper canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks. While common within suitable habitat on Buru, it can be sensitive to extensive forest clearance. Its flexible diet of insects, nectar, and fruits helps it persist in lightly disturbed areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms small, chattering flocks and often joins mixed-species foraging parties. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest suspended from fine branches or foliage. Both parents share incubation and feeding duties. Territory defense is moderate around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched twitters and rapid, musical chirps delivered in short bursts. Calls are sharp contact notes used to keep flock cohesion. Vocalizations can become more persistent at dawn and during breeding.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish throat and vent, and paler whitish underparts. A neat, conspicuous white orbital ring surrounds the eye. Flanks may show a faint grayish wash; wings and tail are dusky with olive edging.
Diet
Consumes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes nectar from blossoms and soft fruits and berries. Will opportunistically hawk tiny flying insects. Seasonal fruiting and flowering influence local movements and foraging intensity.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of primary and secondary forests. Uses forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and occasionally well-vegetated gardens near forest margins.
