Sanford's white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Nendo Island. It is named after Leonard Cutler Sanford, a trustee of the American Museum of Natural History.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Confined to Nendo (Santa Cruz) Island, where it occupies tropical moist lowland forest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It readily forages along edges and in regenerating scrub and gardens with tall shrubs. The species uses the mid-story to canopy but will descend to lower strata when feeding on fruiting or flowering plants. It tolerates moderate disturbance but declines where forest cover is heavily reduced.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sanford's white-eye is a small, active songbird named in honor of Leonard Cutler Sanford. It is restricted to Nendo (Santa Cruz) Island in the Solomon Islands and is often seen in small flocks moving rapidly through foliage. Like many island white-eyes, it adapts to secondary growth but depends on forested habitats for nesting. Its bold white eye-ring and soft, tinkling calls make it distinctive.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, cohesive flocks outside the breeding season and may join mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs form during the breeding period and build neat cup nests in shrubs or small trees. Both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Territoriality increases around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, tinkling whistles and rapid twitters delivered from concealed perches. Contact calls are soft, high-pitched chips used to keep flock cohesion. Vocalizations are frequent during active foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellow-tinged face and throat, paler yellow to whitish underparts toward the belly, and cleaner whitish vent. Feathers are sleek with a smooth, close-textured appearance typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Feeds on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes nectar from blossoms and small soft fruits, especially figs and berries. Will sally short distances to snatch aerial insects and probe flowers for nectar, playing a role in local pollination.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid to upper canopy along forest edges, light gaps, and secondary growth. Frequently visits flowering shrubs and fruiting trees in gardens and agroforestry mosaics near forest.
