The teardrop white-eye, also known as the Faichuk white-eye, Truk white-eye, or great Truk white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. Some advocate that it is the only true member of the genus Rukia, or the "great white-eyes".
Region
Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Typical Environment
Found on forested high islands within Chuuk Lagoon, especially in the Faichuk group. It occupies native and secondary evergreen forest, ridge and slope forests, and dense thickets. The species also forages along forest edges and in traditional agroforests with breadfruit and other fruiting trees. It avoids highly urbanized or heavily cleared lowlands but can persist where understory remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Faichuk, Truk, or great Truk white-eye, this species is restricted to the high islands within Chuuk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is sometimes treated as the sole true member of the genus Rukia, reflecting its distinctive size and features among white-eyes. Its extremely small range makes it sensitive to habitat loss and invasive predators. Local names and appearances in traditional agroforests tie it closely to island culture.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forages in small, chattering parties and may join mixed-species flocks. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, building small cup nests in shrubs or low trees. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and soft warbling phrases delivered in short sequences. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, maintaining cohesion within foraging groups.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grayish to whitish underparts and a clean pale throat. Feathers are smooth and sleek, with a contrasting facial pattern typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods from foliage and bark, often gleaning methodically along branches. Supplements with soft fruits and berries and will sip nectar when available. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting and flowering cycles.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid-story and canopy of native forest and mature secondary growth. Also visits forest edges and agroforests where fruiting trees are common.
