The Oya Tabu white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is native to the Fergusson and Goodenough islands. Its natural habitat is in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The Oya Tabu white-eye was formerly considered a subspecies of the capped white-eye.
Region
Papua New Guinea, D'Entrecasteaux Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, favoring mid- to upper-elevation mossy forest, edges, and secondary growth. It uses dense foliage, vine tangles, and canopy layers while foraging. The species can also be found along forest margins near gardens and ridgelines where flowering shrubs and fruiting trees are present. It is largely tied to intact upland habitats but may descend locally to lower montane foothills.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This white-eye is restricted to the highlands of Fergusson and Goodenough Islands in Papua New Guinea and takes its name from Mount Oya Tabu (Mount Vineuo) on Goodenough. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the capped white-eye but differs in cap coloration and vocalizations. Like many white-eyes, it forages in active groups and often joins mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in small, chattering parties and often participates in mixed-species flocks in montane forest. Pairs build a small, delicate cup nest suspended in foliage. Both parents are thought to contribute to incubation and provisioning, as in many white-eyes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and tinkling trills delivered in quick sequences. Calls are sharp contact notes used to keep flock cohesion while moving through the canopy.
