Distribution Map
Ashy-bellied White-eye
Zosterops citrinella
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Species Description
The Ashy-bellied White-eye is a small, lively songbird native to the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia and the northern Cape York Peninsula of Australia. Known for its social nature, this bird often forms flocks that brighten tropical woodlands with their olive and yellow hues. It thrives in subtropical or tropical forests, mangroves, and coastal scrub, making it a common sight on small islands.
Fun Facts
The Ashy-bellied White-eye is an excellent island colonizer, likely traveling between islands during storms or migrations.
1. Prominent white eye-ring encircling dark irises.
2. Olive-yellow upperparts with bright yellow forehead band.
3. Ashy-grey flanks and belly contrasting with pale yellow throat.
Ashy-bellied White-eyes forage in small flocks of 3–1 birds, sometimes mixing with other species. They primarily feed on insects and small fruits, gleaning food from foliage with their pointed bills. Breeding occurs from December to June in Australian territories. Their nests are delicate cups made from fine twigs and spider webs, suspended in shrubs or trees. Each clutch typically contains 2–4 pale bluish-green eggs.
In Australia, the Ashy-bellied White-eye inhabits wooded islands in the Torres Strait and off Cape York Peninsula. It prefers environments such as mangroves, monsoon forests, coastal scrub, and paperbark woodlands. These birds are most active during dawn when they forage in tree canopies. Their high-pitched calls often reveal their presence before they are spotted. Look for them around fruiting trees where they flutter between branches.
Physical Attributes
Height
11 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds4%
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.