The robust white-eye, also known as the Lord Howe white-eye or robust silvereye and locally as the "big grinnell", is an extinct species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It was endemic to the lowland forests of Lord Howe Island, east of Australia.
Region
Lord Howe Island (Tasman Sea)
Typical Environment
Historically confined to the lowland forests, shrublands, and settlement edges of Lord Howe Island. It frequented thickets, forest understory, and garden vegetation where it gleaned from leaves and blossoms. The species was largely a lowland bird and uncommon at higher elevations. After the introduction of invasive rats, it declined precipitously and disappeared within a few years.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The robust white-eye, also called the Lord Howe white-eye or robust silvereye and locally the big grinnell, was an island endemic from Lord Howe Island east of Australia. It vanished rapidly after black rats were introduced to the island in 1918, which decimated several native birds. Larger and bulkier than the widespread silvereye, it foraged in low vegetation and gardens as well as forest edges.
By Henrik Gronvold
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it likely formed small, chattering flocks typical of white-eyes. During breeding, pairs built small cup nests low in shrubs or small trees and tended 2–3 eggs. Foraging was cooperative and mobile, moving through foliage in loose parties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched twitter with thin tsee and tzip notes. Calls were rapid and contact-oriented, keeping small groups in touch while foraging.
Plumage
Robust, thickset white-eye with olive-green upperparts and greyish-whitish underparts, often with buffy flanks. Feathers appear smooth with a clean, crisp white orbital ring. Bill is stouter than in typical silvereyes.
Diet
It fed on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. The species also took nectar and small fruits, especially in flowering or fruiting shrubs. Occasional sallying to catch tiny flying insects likely occurred at forest edges and gardens.
Preferred Environment
Understory and mid-canopy of lowland forest, dense thickets, and human-modified gardens with flowering plants. Edges and secondary growth were regularly used for foraging.
