Togian white-eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Togian white-eye |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Zosterops
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| Species: |
somadikartai
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| Location of the Togian Islands with islands where the species has been found marked in red | |
The Togian white-eye (Zosterops somadikartai) is a special type of bird. It belongs to a family of birds called Zosteropidae. Many birds in this family are known for having a white ring around their eyes.
This bird lives only in the Togian Islands in Indonesia. This means it is "endemic" to these islands, found nowhere else in the world! A researcher from the University of Indonesia, Mochamad Indrawan, and his friend Sunarto first saw this bird in 1997. Scientists officially described it in 2008.
The bird gets its name from Soekarja Somadikarta, a famous Indonesian scientist who studies birds. What makes the Togian white-eye unique is that, unlike most birds in its family, it does not have a white ring around its eye.
Scientists believe this bird might be in danger of disappearing.
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What Does the Togian White-Eye Look Like?
The Sulawesi region of Indonesia has many islands. These islands are home to at least 9 or 10 different bird species found only there. Because these birds live on isolated islands, they have slowly changed over time. This process is called speciation. It leads to differences in how birds look and the sounds they make.
How is it Different from Other Birds?
The Togian white-eye looks most like the black-crowned white-eye (Zosterops atrifrons). However, the Togian white-eye does not have the white eye ring. The black-crowned white-eye has a clear white ring, even when it is young.
The Togian white-eye also has a few other differences:
- Its black cap (the top of its head) is smaller.
- Its throat is a brighter yellow.
- The base of its beak is a distinct pale color.
- Its eyes are reddish, while the black-crowned white-eye has brown eyes.
It is also different from other similar birds in the region. For example, Zosterops surdus from west-central Sulawesi is duller in color. Zosterops subatrifrons from Peleng and Banggai Islands has a white eye ring, which the Togian white-eye lacks.
Unique Songs
The Togian white-eye also has a unique song. Its song has a different pitch and rhythm compared to other Zosterops species in the area. This helps scientists tell them apart.
Where Does the Togian White-Eye Live?
Scientists first found a Togian white-eye specimen on Pulau Malenge. This island is about 50 meters (164 feet) above sea level. Since then, they have also seen these birds on other islands. These include Binuang, Talatakoh Island, and two spots on Batudaka Island. All these places are close to the coast.
What is Their Home Like?
The Togian white-eye lives in different types of habitats. These include mangrove forests and areas with secondary vegetation. They also live in gardens where people grow plants like coconut, clove, cacao (for chocolate), and durian.
These birds like to be with others. They are often seen moving around in small groups of two or three birds.
How Many Togian White-Eyes Are There?
Scientists have not found these birds on the main Togian and Walea Islands. Surveys suggest that all the Togian white-eyes live in an area smaller than 5,000 square kilometers (about 1,930 square miles).
Because they live in such a small area, scientists believe the Togian white-eye might be "Endangered." This means they are at a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.
