The Wangi-wangi white-eye, locally known as sui, is a species of songbird in the white-eye family. It is endemic to a single island, Wangi-wangi Island, in the Wakatobi Islands, Indonesia.
Region
Wallacea (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Wangi-wangi Island, using coastal thickets, secondary forest patches, mangroves, coconut groves, and village gardens. It forages from shrub layer to mid-canopy along forest edges and in lightly wooded areas. The species tolerates mosaic landscapes but depends on patches of native or semi-natural vegetation. Proximity to flowering shrubs and fruiting trees is important for nectar and fruit resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Wangi-wangi white-eye is confined to a single small island in the Wakatobi archipelago of Indonesia, making it exceptionally range-restricted. Like other white-eyes, it shows a conspicuous white orbital ring but is notable for a relatively robust bill. Its reliance on lowland wooded habitats and gardens means it can be affected by even small-scale habitat changes and trapping.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in small, noisy parties that move quickly through foliage while foraging. Pairs likely form during the breeding season, with a small cup nest placed in shrubs or slender branches. Often joins mixed-species flocks in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and trills interspersed with soft whistles. Contact calls are sharp, repeated chirps used to keep groups together while moving through cover.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with bright yellow throat, breast, and belly; clean, complete white eye-ring; dusky lores giving a masked look.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees and small soft fruits such as berries and figs. Opportunistic feeding allows it to exploit gardens and edges where flowers and fruit are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shrubbery, hedgerows, and the mid-canopy of small trees along forest edges and in gardens. Frequently visits flowering plants and fruiting trees in village landscapes and coastal thickets.
