The warbling white-eye is a small passerine bird in the white-eye family. The specific epithet is occasionally written japonica, but this is incorrect due to the gender of the genus. Its native range includes much of East Asia, including the Russian Far East, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and the Philippines. It has been intentionally introduced to other parts of the world as a pet and as pest control, with mixed results. As one of the native species of the Japanese islands, it has been depicted in Japanese art on numerous occasions, and historically was kept as a cage bird.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Native across much of East Asia, including Japan, Korea, parts of eastern China, Taiwan, and adjacent islands, with introductions on several Pacific islands such as Hawaiʻi. It thrives in forests, woodland edges, scrub, parks, gardens, and orchards. The species readily uses urban green spaces and agricultural landscapes. In winter it may move downslope or southward to milder areas, forming large feeding flocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the Japanese white-eye, this species is famous for the bold white eye-ring and sweet, warbling song. It is an important pollinator and seed disperser, frequently visiting cherry blossoms and other flowering plants. Where introduced (notably in Hawaiʻi), it can become invasive and affect native bird and plant communities. It has long cultural ties in Japan and often appears in traditional art.
Courting
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in chattering flocks, often joining mixed-species parties. Pairs are typically monogamous, building small cup nests in shrubs or trees. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A sweet, varied warble of clear whistles and trills, delivered in short phrases. Calls include thin, high tseep notes that keep flocks in contact.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellowish throat and pale greyish-white underparts; fine, neat feathering with a smooth appearance.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage, as well as nectar and soft fruits. Frequently visits flowering trees such as cherry, plum, and camellia to sip nectar and may carry pollen between blossoms. In orchards and gardens it takes berries and ripe fruit, occasionally probing for sweet juices. Its flexible diet helps it thrive in human-altered habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of trees and tall shrubs, but also descends to hedges and garden plants. Often feeds in energetic, cohesive flocks, moving quickly from tree to tree.
