The grey-brown white-eye or Pohnpei white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Pohnpei.
Region
Micronesia (Caroline Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs across Pohnpei, inhabiting evergreen lowland and montane rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is also regularly found in agroforests, village gardens, and along forested streams. The species typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to understory shrubs when feeding on fruit. Mangrove margins and disturbed woodland are used opportunistically where cover and food are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 780 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Pohnpei white-eye, this small passerine is restricted to the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. It forages actively in small groups, gleaning insects and sipping nectar in native forest and gardens. Like many island white-eyes, it adapts well to secondary growth but remains vulnerable to severe habitat degradation and invasive predators. Its bright white eye-ring is a key field mark against its otherwise subdued plumage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, chattering flocks outside the breeding season and may join mixed-species foraging parties. During breeding, it forms monogamous pairs that defend small territories. Nests are neat, cup-shaped structures suspended in shrubs or small trees, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and trills delivered rapidly, interspersed with soft contact calls. Vocalizations are persistent during foraging and become more musical and varied in the breeding season.
Plumage
Soft grey-brown upperparts with paler, buffy-grey underparts and a slightly cleaner throat and belly. Feathers are smooth and plain, giving a uniform, drab appearance relieved by the bright eye-ring.
Diet
Feeds on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes small fruits and berries and will visit flowers for nectar. Foraging is agile and continuous, often hanging briefly to reach the underside of foliage.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in mid- and upper-canopy foliage of native forest and secondary growth. Readily uses fruiting trees and flowering shrubs in gardens and agroforests, especially where native vegetation persists nearby.
