Taita white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It includes numerous subspecies, sometimes considered a subspecies to montane white-eye. It is only found in Taita Hills in southeastern Kenya. IUCN categorizes it as vulnerable. It is threatened by severe habitat loss and fragmentation, mainly as a result of the deforestation of the Taita Hills.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Confined to the cloud-forest fragments of the Taita Hills, especially Mbololo, Ngangao, and Chawia forests. It favors montane evergreen and cloud forest, edges, and adjacent secondary growth, occasionally using plantations and hedgerows near forest remnants. The species typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to understory shrubs when flowering or fruiting resources are available. Severe habitat fragmentation restricts movement between forest patches and limits available breeding territory.
Altitude Range
1400–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Taita white-eye is restricted to the tiny, isolated forest remnants of the Taita Hills in southeastern Kenya, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation. It was long treated as a subspecies of the montane white-eye but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. Flocks often act as important pollinators and seed dispersers while foraging on nectar and small fruits.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often found in small, chattering flocks outside the breeding season and frequently joins mixed-species feeding parties. Pairs are monogamous during breeding, building a small, neat cup nest in shrubs or lower canopy branches. Nests are placed in well-concealed forks and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick, high-pitched series of twitters and trills interspersed with thin sibilant notes. Contact calls are sharp, buzzy chips used to keep flock cohesion while foraging.
