Hume's white-eye is a bird species in the family Zosteropidae. It is found in upland areas of Myanmar, southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in upland areas from Myanmar and southern Thailand down the Malay Peninsula to parts of Borneo. It favors evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded gardens. Birds often utilize midstory to canopy levels, but will descend to flowering shrubs and fruiting trees. Local movements may occur following food availability, especially during flowering and fruiting peaks.
Altitude Range
500–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hume's white-eye is a small, highly social white-eye named after the British ornithologist Allan Octavian Hume. It often forms chattering flocks that move quickly through foliage, sometimes joining mixed-species parties. The species feeds on a mix of insects, nectar, and small fruits, making it an effective pollinator and seed disperser. Its bold white eye-ring and yellow tones make it distinctive in upland forests of mainland Southeast Asia and Borneo.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in small, noisy flocks that forage cohesively through the canopy and edge habitats. Often joins mixed-species flocks and exhibits cooperative vigilance. Builds a small, neat cup nest suspended in shrubs or slender branches; both sexes participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a sweet, high-pitched series of tinkling notes and trills delivered in quick phrases. Calls include thin seee and twittering contact notes that help flocks stay coordinated.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish forehead and throat, grading to grayish-white underparts. Feathers are sleek and smooth, giving a clean, compact appearance with a conspicuous crisp eye-ring.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, buds, and bark. Regularly visits flowers for nectar and also consumes soft fruits such as figs and berries. Foraging is rapid and methodical, with frequent hovering or short sallies to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in midstory to canopy of evergreen and secondary forests, as well as wooded gardens and forest edges. Often concentrates around flowering trees and fruiting shrubs, moving quickly between resource patches.
