Kirk's white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the Comoros Islands. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Malagasy white-eye. Its common and binomial name are in honour of explorer John Kirk.
Region
Western Indian Ocean (Comoros Archipelago)
Typical Environment
Found across lowland to montane habitats on the Comoros islands where it favors forest edges, secondary growth, thickets, and cultivated areas. It readily occupies gardens and plantations, often moving through mixed vegetation and scrub. The species forages from shrub layer to mid-canopy, gleaning leaves and probing flowers. It avoids only the densest unbroken forest and very open, treeless areas.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Kirk's white-eye is a small passerine in the family Zosteropidae, endemic to the Comoros. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Malagasy white-eye but is now recognized as a distinct species. The name honors the explorer John Kirk. It adapts well to human-altered habitats, often visiting gardens and plantations where it helps control insects.
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 groups. During breeding it forms territorial pairs that build a small, neat cup nest suspended in shrubs or trees. Clutches are typically two to three eggs, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and trills delivered in rapid sequences. Calls include soft contact notes used to keep flocks together and sharper chips when alarmed.
Plumage
Smooth green upperparts with a yellowish throat and vent, contrasting with paler grayish-white underparts. Conspicuous, neat white orbital ring surrounds the eye.
Diet
Takes small insects, caterpillars, and spiders by gleaning foliage and occasionally sallying for prey. Also consumes nectar from flowers, using its slender bill to probe, and supplements with small berries and other soft fruits. Diet varies seasonally with flowering and fruiting availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in hedgerows, gardens, and plantations where flowering shrubs and fruiting plants are common. Foraging occurs from the shrub layer to mid-canopy, often moving quickly through dense foliage.
