Swinhoe's white-eye is a bird species in the white-eye family, Zosteropidae. It is found in eastern China, Taiwan, north Vietnam, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Additionally, populations have also been introduced to Southern California.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from eastern China and Taiwan through northern Vietnam to the Thai–Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. It frequents forest edges, secondary woodland, scrub, mangroves, gardens, and urban parks. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes, often forming flocks in orchards and suburban green spaces. Outside its native range, it has been introduced and established in parts of Southern California.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Swinhoe's white-eye is a small, active songbird named after the naturalist Robert Swinhoe and was split from the Oriental white-eye complex. It is native to eastern and southeastern Asia and has established introduced populations, including in Southern California. These birds often act as pollinators while feeding on nectar but can also visit fruit crops, making them both beneficial and occasionally problematic for growers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, chattering flocks outside the breeding season and mixes with other small insectivores. During breeding, pairs are territorial and build neat cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees. They may roost communally in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, tinkling series of warbles and twittering notes, delivered rapidly and repeatedly. Contact calls are thin, high 'tsee' or 'tzip' notes used to keep flock cohesion.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish face and throat, contrasting grayish-white underparts. Feathers are smooth and sleek, aiding in agile movement through foliage.
Diet
Feeds on nectar, small fruits and berries, and a variety of soft-bodied invertebrates such as insects and spiders. It gleans from leaves and flowers, occasionally probing blossoms and sometimes piercing flowers for nectar. Seasonal availability of fruit and insects influences diet composition.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy of woodland edges, gardens, orchards, and mangroves. Readily visits flowering shrubs and trees in parks and suburban yards.
