The slender-billed white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Norfolk Island.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Norfolk Island group, occurring in remaining native and regenerating forests, shrublands, and well-vegetated gullies. It favors mixed native vegetation with a layered canopy and dense midstory, including vine thickets and tree fern understorey. The species also uses edges, windbreaks, and occasionally gardens with flowering shrubs. Foraging occurs from the shrub layer up to the canopy, where birds glean from leaves, flowers, and small branches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 320 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is restricted to Norfolk Island and nearby islets, where its fine, slender bill helps it probe blossoms and foliage for tiny prey and nectar. It forms lively flocks outside the breeding season and is often heard before it is seen. Habitat degradation and invasive predators have affected island birds, making ongoing conservation and habitat restoration important for this species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in small, chattering flocks that move quickly through foliage. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build neat, hanging cup nests in shrubs or small trees. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and trills, interspersed with soft contact calls. Songs are delivered from concealed perches in the mid to upper canopy and can carry surprisingly far for such a small bird.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish throat and vent, contrasting with paler gray-white underparts; neat, complete white eye-ring. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a clean, compact look.
Diet
Gleans small insects, spiders, and other arthropods from leaves and twigs. Also takes nectar from blossoms and soft fruits when available, especially during seasonal flowering. Will hawk briefly for tiny flying insects and probe into flower clusters with its fine bill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in vine tangles, and among flowering shrubs and canopy foliage. Often joins mixed-species foraging groups and exploits flowering trees and shrubs in both native forest and vegetated clearings.
