Silvereye
NameSilvereye
Common NameSilvereye
Scientific NameZosterops lateralis
FamilyZosteropidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, underparts are grey, often with a white throat and vent. Many subspecies exhibit chestnut or buff flanks. The most prominent feature is a complete, narrow white ring around the eye.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include soft, high-pitched contact calls like 'swee-swee' or 'tsee-tsee', often given continuously while foraging in flocks. They also have a pleasant, warbling song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Australia, New Zealand, and various islands in the southwest Pacific, including Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, and Fiji. They have also naturally colonized other areas.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white eye-ring, Olive-green upperparts, Grey underparts (often with chestnut flanks), Small size, Slender, pointed bill, Active, acrobatic foraging
Description
The Silvereye is a small, active passerine bird easily recognized by its distinctive white eye-ring. It has olive-green upperparts and grey underparts, often with chestnut flanks depending on the subspecies. These highly social birds are frequently seen foraging in flocks.
