Mount Cameroon speirops

The Mount Cameroon speirops or Cameroon speirops is a species of bird in the disputed family Zosteropidae, which might be included in the Timaliidae. It is endemic to Cameroon.

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Distribution

Region

Cameroon Highlands

Typical Environment

Occurs almost exclusively on Mount Cameroon, favoring moist montane forest, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. It also uses shrubby zones, bamboo thickets, and transitional habitats above the main forest belt. The species forages from understory to mid-canopy and occasionally ventures into adjacent cultivated areas with remnant trees. Because its range is small and fragmented by land use, it is patchily distributed even within suitable habitat.

Altitude Range

900–2500 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm

Wing Span16–20 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Mount Cameroon speirops is a white-eye restricted to the slopes of Mount Cameroon, making it highly sensitive to habitat change. It has a taxonomic history in the former genus Speirops and is currently placed within Zosteropidae, though relationships with some babbler groups have been discussed. Its limited range and dependence on montane forest elevate conservation concern.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Outside the breeding season it forms small, fast-moving foraging parties, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. During breeding it pairs off and builds a small cup nest suspended in dense foliage. Both sexes are thought to contribute to nesting duties and care for the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A high, thin series of twitters and trills delivered in quick sequences. Contact calls are soft, clipped notes used to keep parties together while foraging.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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