Lowland White-eye
Zosterops meyeni
低地绣眼鸟
Introduction
A species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. Near endemic to the northern Philippines, with additional populations on the Taiwanese islands of Lüdao and Lanyu. Inhabits tropical moist lowland forest, second growth, and gardens. Typically found below 1,000 meters elevation. Small, active songbird with green upperparts, gray underparts, yellow throat, and distinctive white eye-ring. Assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Description
Tiny songbird with green upperparts and gray underparts. Features a yellow throat and a broad white ring around the eye. Two subspecies are recognized: Z. m. meyeni in the Philippines and Z. m. batanis on the Taiwanese islands.
Identification
Distinguished by its tiny size, white eye-ring, and green-and-gray plumage with yellow throat. Similar to other white-eye species but differentiated by range and specific plumage characteristics. Gives harsh, buzzy calls while actively foraging in small flocks.
Distribution & Habitat
Restricted to the northern Philippines (Calayan, Luzon, Lubang, Verde, Mindoro, Caluya, Marinduque, and Banton islands) and the Taiwanese islands of Lanyu and Lüdao. Inhabits tropical moist lowland forest, second growth, clearings, fishponds, rivers, scrubland, forest edge, and gardens. Found from sea level to 1,000 meters elevation.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages actively in the understory and forest edge, often joining mixed-species flocks with other small birds. Typically found in small flocks. Breeding season occurs from April to August. Constructs a typical white-eye nest a few meters above ground in small trees. Clutch size is 3-4 eggs. Vocalizations are described as harsh and buzzy calls.
Conservation
Assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Population status is common throughout its range. Has adapted well to human-modified habitats and has benefited from such environments. While the Philippines has experienced massive deforestation, this species adaptability has allowed it to survive and even thrive better than most Philippine birds.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Zosteropidae
- Genus
- Zosterops
- eBird Code
- loweye2
Subspecies (2)
-
Zosterops meyeni batanis
Lüdao (Green) and Lan-yü (Orchid) Islands (southeast of Taiwan) and Batan Islands (far northern Philippines)
-
Zosterops meyeni meyeni
northern and east-central Philippines (Calayan, Luzon, Lubang, Verde, Marinduque, Banton and Caluya)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.