The northern yellow white-eye, formerly the African yellow white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west across to southern Sudan in the east and south to northern Angola. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the Angola white-eye.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa (e.g., Senegal and Guinea) east through the Sahel and Sudanian zones to South Sudan, and south into northern parts of Angola and adjacent regions. It favors open woodland, wooded savanna, forest edges, riparian thickets, and cultivated areas including parks and gardens. The species generally avoids dense closed-canopy rainforest and extremely arid desert. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes and often persists in towns with suitable tree cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small white-eye is named for its striking white orbital ring, which contrasts with its yellow throat and olive-green back. It is adaptable and common in gardens, woodland edges, and savannas across much of sub-Saharan Africa. The species was formerly lumped as the African yellow white-eye but is now treated as the Northern yellow white-eye, with the Angola white-eye split off. By visiting flowers, it can act as a minor pollinator while also helping control small insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, noisy flocks outside the breeding season and frequently joins mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs form during the breeding season, building a neat, small cup nest suspended from fine branches or twigs. Both adults typically share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, high-pitched series of thin twitters and tinkling notes delivered in quick bursts. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant chips that help keep flocks coordinated. The song can be persistent during early morning hours.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a bright yellow throat and breast grading to paler yellow or whitish on the belly; clean, conspicuous white eye-ring. Feathers are sleek and smooth, with subtle olive tones on the mantle and wings.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, including aphids, caterpillars, and spiders. Also consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees and readily eats soft fruits and berries. In gardens, it visits ornamental flowers and fruiting plants, occasionally taking sugary exudates or honeydew.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the outer canopy and shrub layer, often moving methodically along branches and leaves. Common at forest edges, riparian thickets, and urban parks where flowering and fruiting plants are available. Frequently feeds in small, cohesive flocks that move rapidly through vegetation.
