The large Lifou white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to Lifou Island, where it inhabits lowland forests, forest edges, coastal thickets, and secondary growth. It readily uses disturbed habitats, including plantations and gardens, provided there is ample shrub and canopy cover. Birds forage from the understory to the mid-canopy, moving quickly through foliage. The species is absent from higher elevations because Lifou is a low limestone island with gently rolling terrain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 120 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Large Lifou white-eye is confined to Lifou Island in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia and belongs to the white-eye family Zosteropidae. It is active and gregarious, often moving in small, chattering flocks through forest edges and gardens. Like many white-eyes, it sports a conspicuous white eye-ring that makes field identification easier. It likely plays an important role in both insect control and seed/nectar foraging dynamics on the island.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in small, noisy groups outside the breeding season, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Breeding pairs are likely monogamous and defend a small territory around the nest. Nests are typically small, cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or low trees, with clutches of two to three eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and warbles interspersed with sharp contact notes. The song is fast-paced and tinkling, often delivered while foraging and during early morning hours.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with paler, buffy to grayish underparts and a cleaner whitish belly; subtle yellowish wash on throat and vent. Feathers are smooth and sleek, aiding rapid movement through foliage. The species shows the classic bold white orbital ring typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees and consumes soft fruits and berries. Will hawk for tiny flying insects during active bouts. Its flexible diet allows it to exploit both native and modified habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and gardens with dense shrubs and scattered trees. Most feeding occurs from the lower canopy to the midstory, with occasional understory gleaning.
