The small Lifou white-eye, also known as the sulphur white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the island of Lifou in New Caledonia.
Region
New Caledonia (Loyalty Islands)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Lifou, where it occupies coastal scrub, evergreen forest, secondary woodland, and village gardens. It frequents edges, thickets, and canopy gaps where flowering and fruiting plants are abundant. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and often forages along forest margins and in plantations. Dense native vegetation remains important for nesting and cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the sulphur white-eye, this tiny passerine is confined to the island of Lifou in New Caledonia. It’s easily recognized by the bright white eye-ring that gives the family its name. Despite its restricted range, it adapts well to secondary growth and gardens. It co-occurs with a larger white-eye species on Lifou, differing mainly in size and tone of yellow.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small, chattering flocks outside the breeding season; pairs during breeding. Builds a small cup-shaped nest suspended in shrubs or small trees. Cooperative foraging is common, with birds moving quickly through foliage and along edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters and rapid trills, interspersed with soft chips. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant tsee notes delivered frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with bright sulphur-yellow throat and underparts; neat, contrasting white orbital eye-ring; under-tail coverts yellowish; relatively plain wings.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes nectar from flowers and consumes small fruits and berries. Occasionally hawks tiny flying insects in short sallies. Diet varies seasonally with flowering and fruiting peaks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-level to canopy foliage, along forest edges, thickets, and in gardens with flowering shrubs. Frequently visits native and introduced plants that provide nectar and small fruits.
