The yellowish white-eye or golden-yellow white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Philippines, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist lowland forests across parts of the Philippine archipelago. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and lightly wooded farmlands, and may visit gardens with suitable cover. Typically keeps to the midstory and canopy, gleaning among leaves and blossoms. It can be locally common where habitat remains and shows some tolerance of disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small white-eye with a bold white eye-ring and warm yellow tones, it often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. It adapts well to secondary growth and edges, which helps it persist where primary forest has been reduced. By taking nectar and small fruits, it likely contributes to local pollination and seed dispersal. Its quick, high-pitched chatter can reveal flocks even when the birds are hidden in foliage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, chattering flocks and readily forms mixed-species foraging parties. During breeding, pairs separate from flocks and build a small, neat cup nest suspended in shrubs or trees. Both parents typically attend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high, thin twitters and sweet warbles delivered in short bursts. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, keeping flocks coordinated as they move through foliage.
Plumage
Compact, with yellowish to olive-yellow upperparts and brighter yellow face and throat; underparts pale yellow to whitish. Clean, complete white eye-ring typical of white-eyes. Feathers sleek and smooth, giving a neat, uniform look.
Diet
Takes small insects, larvae, and spiders by gleaning from leaves and flowers. Also consumes nectar and small berries, shifting seasonally with resource availability. Will opportunistically sip from blossoms and probe fruiting shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the midstory and canopy of lowland forests, edges, and secondary growth. Frequently forages along flowering trees and fruiting bushes and may enter wooded gardens.
