The Papuan white-eye, sometimes known as the New Guinea white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The species was first classified in 1878, and has a conservation status of Least Concern.
Region
New Guinea and Aru Islands (Melanesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, and on the Aru Islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, hill and montane forests, and often frequents forest edges and secondary growth. The species readily uses disturbed habitats, plantations, and village gardens near forests. It is typically seen from the canopy to mid-storey, moving swiftly in small flocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Papuan white-eye, also called the New Guinea white-eye, is a small, active passerine with a conspicuous white eye-ring. It forages in chattering flocks and often joins mixed-species parties in forest canopies and edges. First described in 1878, it remains common across much of New Guinea and nearby Aru Islands. Its adaptability to secondary growth and gardens helps keep populations stable.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, darting movements through foliage
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, noisy flocks and frequently joins mixed-species feeding parties. Pairs form during the breeding season and build small, neat cup nests suspended in shrubs or trees. They are attentive parents, with both adults participating in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of tsee-tsee notes interspersed with soft twitters. Contact calls are rapid and buzzy, creating constant background chatter as flocks forage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish forehead and throat, greyish to pale underparts, and yellow undertail coverts. Feathers are sleek with a smooth, compact appearance typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowers and small fruits and berries. Foraging is agile and precise, often hanging briefly to probe foliage and blossoms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest canopy and edges, secondary growth, and gardens with flowering shrubs and fruiting trees. Often exploits disturbed habitats where insect and nectar resources are abundant.
