The forest white-eye or Cameroon green white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found from southeastern Nigeria to southwestern Central African Republic and northern Gabon.
Region
West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Nigeria through much of Cameroon into northern Gabon and southwestern Central African Republic. It inhabits humid lowland and submontane evergreen forest, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. The species often forages in the mid to upper canopy, especially along gaps and edges where insects and small fruits are abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but remains closely tied to forested landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Cameroon green white-eye, this small passerine is a lively member of mixed-species flocks in Central African forests. Its bold white eye-ring is a key field mark shared with many white-eyes. By gleaning insects and taking small fruits, it helps control arthropods and disperses seeds. It typically stays high in the canopy, making it more often heard than seen.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently travels in small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks, especially with other small insectivores. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging through the canopy. Nesting is likely in small cup nests placed in dense foliage, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters and trills delivered rapidly from the canopy. Calls include sharp contact notes used to keep flock cohesion. The overall song is light and tinkling, often given in short, repeated bursts.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish throat and vent, blending to grayish or whitish underparts. Feathers are smooth and sleek, suited to canopy foraging. A crisp white orbital ring contrasts with dusky lores and a finer, darker bill.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small berries, soft fruits, and occasionally nectar. Opportunistic foraging in fruiting trees and along sunlit edges increases access to both insects and fruit. Its mixed diet supports both pest control and seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of moist evergreen forest and along forest edges. Also uses secondary growth, forest gaps, and wooded riverine corridors where prey is concentrated.
