The chestnut-flanked white-eye is a bird in the family Zosteropidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863. It is found in forests, and prefers rather deep mixed and coniferous forests.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East in mixed and coniferous forests. During migration it passes through eastern China and adjacent regions, wintering mainly in southern China and northern parts of Southeast Asia (e.g., northern Vietnam and Laos). It uses forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded parks while on passage. In winter it frequents evergreen and mixed broadleaf woodland, often near flowering trees and fruiting shrubs.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the warm chestnut wash along its flanks, this tiny white-eye is a long-distance migrant of East Asia. It often joins lively mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, making it more detectable as it moves through the canopy. The bold white eye-ring is a hallmark of the family Zosteropidae.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms small to medium flocks, especially outside the breeding season, and often forages with mixed-species parties. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or trees and typically raise a small clutch. Territoriality increases during breeding, but birds remain agile and inconspicuous in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of sweet twitters and trills, delivered quickly and repeated from cover. Contact calls are soft tsee or see notes that help flocks stay together.
