The Rennell white-eye or the bare-ringed white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Solomon Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Rennell Island in subtropical to tropical moist lowland forest, including primary rainforest, forest edge, and regrowth. It also visits gardens and coconut groves near settlements. The species forages from understory to mid-canopy, moving methodically along foliage for insects and sipping nectar from blossoms. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance but depends on the island’s forested matrix.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is confined to Rennell Island, part of the Solomon Islands, and is sometimes called the bare-ringed white-eye for its conspicuous eye-ring. It readily uses secondary growth and gardens, which helps it persist near villages. By feeding on small fruits and nectar, it likely aids in pollination and seed dispersal. It often joins mixed-species flocks, increasing foraging efficiency and predator vigilance.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently travels in small, chattering parties and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and build a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or low branches. Both adults typically participate in nest defense and chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and trills delivered rapidly, often interspersed with soft contact calls while foraging. Song is persistent at dawn and remains frequent throughout the day in active flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellow-tinged throat and breast, paler grayish-white belly, and cleaner yellow undertail area. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat appearance typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees and small soft fruits. It may probe blossoms briefly and then move quickly to the next perch, maintaining a steady foraging pace. In mixed flocks it exploits disturbed insects flushed by other species.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from lower understory to mid-canopy, especially along forest edges, gaps, and regrowth where blossoms and small fruits are abundant. Readily enters village gardens and plantations when flowering trees are present.
