Tagula white-eye

The Tagula white-eye or white-throated white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.

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Distribution

Region

Louisiade Archipelago (Papua New Guinea)

Typical Environment

Occurs only on Tagula (Sudest) Island, where it inhabits lowland and hill rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also ventures into coconut groves and village gardens when fruiting trees are available. Birds forage from understory to upper canopy but are most frequently seen in the mid to upper levels. They move quickly through foliage, gleaning insects and probing blossoms for nectar.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm

Wing Span16–18 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Tagula white-eye, also called the white-throated white-eye, is confined to Tagula (Sudest) Island in Papua New Guinea’s Louisiade Archipelago. It is an active canopy forager that travels in small, chattering parties and often joins mixed-species flocks. Like many white-eyes, it likely helps with seed dispersal and pollination through its fruit- and nectar-feeding. Its restricted range makes it potentially sensitive to habitat loss and invasive predators.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found in small, noisy flocks that move rapidly through the canopy. Frequently associates with other small insectivores in mixed-species parties. Nests are typically small cup nests placed in shrubs or trees; both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and tsee notes delivered in quick bursts. Contact calls are sharp and frequent while foraging, with a soft, musical chatter when birds regroup.

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Identification

Leg Colorslate-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Olive-green upperparts with a clean white throat contrasting against greyish underparts and a yellow-tinged vent. The face shows the classic bold white eye-ring of white-eyes, with slightly darker lores and ear coverts. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edges, and the belly can appear pale grey to whitish.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Takes small insects and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes soft fruits and berries and will visit blossoms for nectar. Opportunistic feeding allows it to exploit seasonal resources across forest and garden habitats.

Preferred Environment

Feeds mainly in mid to upper forest strata, along edges, and in secondary growth. Readily enters village gardens and fruiting trees where insects and sugary resources are abundant.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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