Everett's white-eye is a bird species in the disputed family Zosteropidae, which might belong with the Old World babblers (Timaliidae). The name commemorates British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett. It is only found on the Talaud Islands, Sulu Archipelago and the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Talaud Islands (Indonesia) and in the southern and central Philippines, including the Sulu Archipelago, where it inhabits tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and sometimes wooded gardens or plantations near forest. The species forages from the understory to the canopy, often moving quickly through foliage. It favors island and archipelagic landscapes with mosaic habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for British naturalist Alfred Hart Everett, this small white-eye often travels in lively flocks and readily joins mixed-species parties in forests. It shows the classic bold white eye-ring of the group and adapts well to secondary growth and edges, which helps it persist where primary forest is patchy. Taxonomically, white-eyes have seen shifting family placements due to evolving genetic insights.
Illustration in Meyer & Wiglesworth (1898)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly forms small, agile flocks and readily joins mixed-species foraging groups. Breeding pairs build small cup nests in shrubs or trees and likely maintain monogamous bonds during the breeding season. They are vigilant and mobile while foraging, communicating with soft contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched, thin series of twitters and soft warbles, delivered in short phrases. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, aiding flock cohesion as birds move rapidly through foliage.
