The lemon-bellied white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs on a number of islands from the Sunda Strait to the Aru Islands. It is present on several of the Lesser Sunda Islands as well as on parts of Sulawesi, as well as many smaller islands, but is absent from the larger islands of Borneo, Java, Sumatra and Timor. Currently, HBW describes five sub-species of lemon-bellied white-eye. However, the extensive distribution of Z. c. intermedius is likely to contain more than one reproductively isolated population (cf. Z.c. intermedius and Z. c. flavissimus, with the latter now considered a distinct species, the Wakatobi white-eye.
Region
Wallacea (eastern Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Found from the Sunda Strait east to the Aru Islands, including parts of Sulawesi and many smaller islands in the Lesser Sundas. It occupies coastal scrub, mangroves, forest edge, secondary woodland, and village gardens. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats and plantations, especially coconut and mixed fruit trees. It is generally absent from the large, higher islands such as Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and Timor.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small white-eye is confined to Indonesia and is named for its bright lemon-yellow underparts. It thrives on small and offshore islands as well as coastal lowlands, readily using gardens and plantations. Several subspecies are recognized, and recent work has split the Wakatobi white-eye (Zosterops flavissimus) from within the complex. Like many white-eyes, it forms lively flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, chattering flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging groups. Pairs form during the breeding season, building a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or slender tree branches. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, high-pitched series of thin whistles and twitters, delivered in short, energetic bursts. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant notes used to keep flocks together.
