The Seram white-eye is a small passerine bird in the white-eye family. It is an endemic resident breeder in open woodland in Seram, Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Seram in eastern Indonesia, where it occupies open woodland, forest edges, secondary scrub, and gardens near forest. It is most frequently encountered at mid-canopy levels but will descend to shrubs when feeding. The species uses mosaic landscapes and can persist in selectively logged areas if understory and flowering plants remain. Dense primary forest is used less than edge and semi-open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
As with many white-eyes, it sports a bold white eye-ring that gives the family its name. It forages actively in small flocks, gleaning insects and sipping nectar, and likely contributes to local pollination and seed dispersal. On Seram it adapts well to forest edges and secondary growth, making it relatively tolerant of moderate habitat disturbance.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms small, chattering groups that move quickly through foliage while foraging. Pairs likely establish small territories during the breeding season, building a neat cup nest suspended in shrubs or small trees. Cooperative flocking with other small insectivores occurs outside of breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of tinkling notes and soft twittering trills delivered in quick bursts. Contact calls are sharp metallic chips used to keep flocks together.
Plumage
Compact, smooth plumage with olive-green upperparts, yellowish throat and undertail, and paler greyish-white underparts.
Diet
Feeds on small insects, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees and consumes soft fruits and berries. Opportunistic foraging allows it to exploit seasonal blooms and fruiting events.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds along forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens where flowering and fruiting plants are abundant. Foraging occurs from low shrubs up to mid-canopy, often in mixed-species flocks.
