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Overview
Green white-eye

Green white-eye

Wikipedia

The green white-eye is a bird species in the family Zosteropidae. It is found in Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Distribution

Region

Albertine Rift and East African Highlands

Typical Environment

Occurs in montane and submontane forests, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth across parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and western Tanzania. It uses dense foliage for gleaning and will also visit flowering shrubs and trees. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and may enter wooded gardens near forest. It is most frequently encountered in canopy and midstory strata and often travels in small, chattering groups.

Altitude Range

1000–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size9–11 cm
Wing Span15–18 cm
Male Weight0.011 kg
Female Weight0.01 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The green white-eye is a small, active passerine of the family Zosteropidae, recognizable by its bold white eye-ring. It frequents montane and submontane forests and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Like many white-eyes, it feeds on insects, nectar, and small fruits, helping with pollination and seed dispersal. Some authorities have debated taxonomy within East African white-eyes, but this species is typically treated as distinct.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found in small, cohesive flocks and often joins mixed-species foraging parties. Breeding pairs build a small, neat cup nest suspended in foliage, and both parents typically participate in care. Territoriality is modest, with more emphasis on group cohesion outside the breeding season.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A high, thin series of twitters and tinkling notes delivered rapidly, interspersed with soft contact calls. Calls include sharp ‘tsee’ and ‘tzip’ notes used to keep flock members together.

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