The Javan white-eye is a bird species in the family Zosteropidae that occurs in Java and Borneo. It is threatened by trapping for wildlife trade and has been assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2019, as the wild population declined significantly.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands (Java and Borneo)
Typical Environment
This species occurs in lowland habitats of Java and Borneo, especially along coasts and riverine zones. It uses mangroves, coastal scrub, secondary forest edges, gardens, and plantations, showing some tolerance of disturbed environments. Birds often forage from the mid-story to canopy, moving quickly between shrubs and flowering trees. Local abundance can be highly patchy due to trapping pressure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Javan white-eye is a small, active songbird prized in the cage-bird trade, which has driven severe wild population declines. It forages nimbly through foliage for insects, nectar, and soft fruits, often in small, chattering flocks. It is visually distinctive with a bright white eye-ring against yellowish plumage. Conservation efforts focus on curbing trapping and protecting remaining lowland habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small, cohesive flocks that move rapidly between fruiting and flowering trees. Pairs nest in a small cup suspended in foliage, typically a few meters above ground. They are attentive parents, with both adults feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, high-pitched warble with rapid twitters and thin see-see notes. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Compact white-eye with olive-green upperparts and yellowish throat and breast, often with paler belly. Feathers appear sleek and close-fitting, giving a smooth, neat look.
Diet
It gleans small insects, spiders, and other arthropods from leaves and twigs. Nectar is taken from blossoms, and soft fruits such as berries are also important. It may join mixed-species flocks to exploit ephemeral food sources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in flowering and fruiting shrubs and trees, from gardens and plantations to mangroves and secondary forest edges. Often concentrates where nectar and small fruits are seasonally abundant.
