The Vanuatu white-eye or yellow-fronted white-eye is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Zosterops in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Vanuatu, where it is one of the most common birds.
Region
Melanesia (Vanuatu)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the main islands of Vanuatu, using both primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and coastal scrub. It readily enters villages, gardens, and coconut plantations, showing a strong tolerance for disturbed habitats. Birds forage from the understory to the canopy and will also visit flowering shrubs and trees. Although most common in lowlands, it ranges upslope into montane forest where suitable cover and food are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the yellow-fronted white-eye, this species is among the most common birds across the Vanuatu archipelago. It is highly adaptable, thriving from native forest to gardens and plantations. Like many white-eyes, it helps control insects and may act as a pollinator when visiting flowers.
Watercolour by Georg Forster made on James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean. This painting is the holotype for the species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in lively flocks outside the breeding season and may join mixed-species foraging groups. Breeding pairs build small cup nests in shrubs or trees and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. They maintain small territories during breeding but become more gregarious afterward.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high, tinkling series of rapid notes and trills delivered from cover. Calls include thin see-see contact notes and soft chatter used to keep flock cohesion.
