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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Olive to bright green upperparts with yellowish-green throat and breast grading to paler grayish underparts. Clean, conspicuous white orbital eye-ring contrasts with dusky lores and fine, dark bill. Plumage appears smooth and compact, aiding a neat, rounded profile.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Regularly sips nectar from flowering trees and shrubs and consumes soft fruits and berries. This mixed diet supports its role as both pollinator and seed disperser.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the canopy and midstory of montane forests and at edges with flowering shrubs. Also forages in secondary growth and occasionally in wooded gardens adjacent to forest.
