The Kikuyu white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It was formerly considered a subspecies of montane white-eye. It is found in central Kenya, in the Aberdare Mountains and on Mount Kenya. IUCN categorizes it as of least concern.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen forest, bamboo belts, and ericaceous scrub across the central Kenyan highlands. It is especially frequent at forest edges, in clearings, and within secondary growth where flowering plants are abundant. Birds also venture into highland farms and gardens adjacent to native forest. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks in the mid to upper canopy while gleaning foliage.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small white-eye is confined to Kenya’s central highlands, notably the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Montane White-eye but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. It forages actively in mixed-species flocks and readily visits flowering shrubs for nectar.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered in small, chattering groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, building small cup nests concealed in foliage. Nests are placed in shrubs or small trees at low to mid canopy levels.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters and trills interspersed with soft warbles. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant ‘tsee’ notes exchanged constantly within moving flocks.
