The Morotai white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Morotai in the northern Moluccas. It was separated from the cream-throated white-eye based on distinct plumage, exceptional dawn song, and submontane/montane ecology
Region
Northern Moluccas, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Morotai, where it favors submontane and montane forest, including mossy ridges, forest edges, and older secondary growth. It is most frequently encountered in the middle to upper canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks. The species can use lightly disturbed forest but remains tied to closed-canopy habitats. It is uncommon to rare away from upland areas and seldom descends to low elevations.
Altitude Range
600–1600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Morotai white-eye is a recently recognized island endemic from Morotai in the northern Moluccas, split from the cream-throated white-eye based on distinct plumage, an exceptional dawn song, and its preference for submontane to montane habitats. It is typically found in mixed-species flocks and helps control insects while also assisting in pollination and seed dispersal. Because of its limited range and elevational specialization, it could be sensitive to habitat loss and climate-driven upslope shifts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in small, lively flocks, often joining mixed-species parties in the canopy. During breeding, pairs become more territorial and build a small, neat cup nest suspended from twigs. Both parents typically participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
At dawn it delivers a complex, fast, and musical series of high-pitched whistles and trills that carry through the forest. Daytime calls are softer contact notes and thin tseet calls used to keep flock cohesion.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting pale cream throat and grayish breast, blending to yellow-tinged undertail coverts. Shows a neat, bold white orbital ring typical of white-eyes, with darker lores and a fine, slightly decurved bill. Underparts are cleaner and paler than related forms, and the overall tone is brighter in good light.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, often sallying short distances to snap prey. Also consumes nectar and small soft fruits, especially when arthropod availability is lower. Its mixed diet supports both insect control and plant pollination/seed dispersal in upland forests.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of submontane and montane forest, including forest edges and mature secondary growth. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks to exploit ephemeral food patches more efficiently.
