The Guadalcanal white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found on Guadalcanal. Its natural habitat is in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The Guadalcanal white-eye was formerly considered a subspecies of the grey-throated white-eye.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Guadalcanal, where it inhabits subtropical to tropical moist montane forest. It is most often seen in mossy cloud forest with abundant epiphytes, along ridgelines, and in mature secondary forest near the montane zone. Birds move through the mid-story and canopy, frequently along forest edges and gaps. It can persist in lightly disturbed areas but is tied to forest structure. Lower-elevation lowland habitats are generally avoided.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is restricted to the highlands of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands and favors cool, mossy montane forests. It was formerly lumped within the grey-throated white-eye complex but is now treated as distinct based on its range and subtle plumage and vocal differences. Like many white-eyes, it forages in active flocks and likely helps pollinate flowers and disperse seeds. Its narrow elevational range makes intact montane forest particularly important for its long-term survival.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, chattering flocks that move quickly through the canopy and mid-story while foraging. Often joins mixed-species feeding parties with other insectivores. Breeding pairs are monogamous and build small cup-shaped nests concealed in dense foliage. Territoriality is modest, with pairs defending immediate nest areas during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and trills, delivered in short bursts. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant tsip notes exchanged frequently within flocks. Dawn song is more persistent and slightly more musical.
Plumage
Compact, olive-green upperparts with a contrasting grayish throat and upper breast; underparts paler with yellowish wash on the flanks and vent. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitted, giving a sleek look. A crisp, complete white eye-ring encircles the eye. The wings and tail are darker olive with subtle edging.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowers and soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging is agile and continuous, with frequent hovering snatches and short sallies. Seasonal resource shifts between arthropods and plant material are typical of white-eyes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the montane forest canopy and mid-story, especially along edges, gaps, and sunlit foliage. Will use secondary forest and shrubby regrowth adjacent to mature stands. Occasionally descends to lower strata when following mixed-species flocks.
