The lowland white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is near endemic to the northern part of the Philippines but is also found on the Taiwanese islands of Lüdao and Lanyu. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest, second growth and gardens.
Region
Northern Philippines and offshore islets of southeast Taiwan
Typical Environment
Primarily found in tropical moist lowland forests across northern Philippines, it readily occupies second growth, forest edges, thickets, and gardens. It also occurs on Taiwan’s outlying islands of Lanyu (Orchid Island) and Lüdao (Green Island). The species forages from understory to mid-canopy, especially in fruiting and flowering trees. Its tolerance of disturbed habitats enables it to persist near villages and cultivated areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Lowland white-eyes are active flocking birds that often join mixed-species foraging groups, helping locate insect prey across the canopy. By sipping nectar and visiting flowering shrubs and trees, they can act as local pollinators. They adapt well to second growth and gardens, which helps buffer them against forest loss in some areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small flocks that may join mixed-species parties when foraging. Pairs build a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or small trees. Breeding pairs are territorial around the nest but rejoin flocks outside the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched series of thin twitters and tinkling trills delivered rapidly. Contact calls are soft, sibilant seeps used to keep flocks coordinated.
