The south Pare white-eye is a bird species in the family Zosteropidae. Its range is restricted to the southern region of the Pare Mountains in northeastern Tanzania.
Region
Eastern Arc Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane evergreen forest, forest edge, and adjacent shrubbery within the South Pare range. It frequently uses mid- to upper-level canopy strata, gleaning among leaves and blossoms. The species also ventures into secondary growth and forest fragments when flowering and fruiting resources are available. Its extremely localized range makes it sensitive to forest clearance and fragmentation.
Altitude Range
1400–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is restricted to the southern Pare Mountains of northeastern Tanzania, making it highly range-limited. It forages nimbly in mixed-species flocks and plays a role in both insect control and seed/nectar dispersal. Habitat loss from forest clearance and degradation is the primary threat to its survival.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often found in small, chatty groups and joins mixed-species flocks when foraging. Breeds in pairs, building a delicate cup nest suspended in foliage. Territoriality increases during the breeding season, but outside breeding, it is gregarious.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tinkling notes and trills delivered rapidly. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant chips used to keep group cohesion in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish throat and vent, and a paler greyish-white belly. Distinct, complete white orbital ring contrasts with dusky lores and fine, dark bill. Plumage is neat and sleek, aiding its agile movement through foliage.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar from blossoms and small fruits, switching resources seasonally. Its mixed diet supports both pest control and pollination/seed dispersal roles.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in mid- to upper canopy layers of montane forest and at forest edges. Will utilize flowering shrubs in secondary growth and gardens near intact forest.
