The Vanikoro white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Vanikoro in the Santa Cruz Islands of Temotu Province in the south-east of the Solomon Islands chain. The species is named for David Gibbs, who discovered it.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Solomon Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Vanikoro in the Santa Cruz group, inhabiting tropical lowland and hill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It often uses mid-story to canopy levels while foraging and will visit flowering trees in village gardens. The species tolerates some degraded habitat but is most abundant in intact forest. Its tiny range makes it vulnerable to storms and habitat loss.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This white-eye is confined to the small island of Vanikoro in the Santa Cruz Islands and was only formally described in the 21st century, being named in honor of the ornithologist David Gibbs. Like many island white-eyes, it forages actively in small groups, gleaning insects and sipping nectar. Its restricted range makes it sensitive to habitat change, so intact forest is important for its long-term survival.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, chatty parties or mixed-species flocks, especially while foraging through foliage. Pairs likely maintain small territories during breeding, building a small cup nest suspended from twigs. Cooperative vigilance within flocks helps detect predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of thin, high-pitched twitters and trills, interspersed with soft warbles. Calls are contact notes that keep flocks coordinated as they move through the canopy.
