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Overview
Forest white-eye

Forest white-eye

Wikipedia

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm
Wing Span16–18 cm
Male Weight0.01 kg
Female Weight0.009 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Behaviour

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.

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