Vanikoro white-eye facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vanikoro white-eye
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Zosteropidae
Genus:	Zosterops
Species:	Z. gibbsi
Binomial name
Zosterops gibbsi Dutson, 2008
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The Vanikoro white-eye (Zosterops gibbsi) is a small bird. It belongs to a group of birds often called "white-eyes." This bird lives only on Vanikoro Island. Vanikoro is part of the Santa Cruz Islands. These islands are located in the Solomon Islands, a country in the Pacific Ocean. A naturalist named David Gibbs found this bird. Because of his discovery, the bird was named after him.

What Does the Vanikoro White-Eye Look Like?

The Vanikoro white-eye looks a bit different from its close relatives. For example, it has a much longer beak. It also has a special colored ring around its eye. The color of its legs is unique too. These features help tell it apart from other white-eye species, like the Santa Cruz white-eye.

Where Does the Vanikoro White-Eye Live?

The Santa Cruz Islands are part of a special forest area. This area is known as the Vanuatu rain forests ecoregion. The Vanikoro white-eye is often found in the forests on higher ground. It also lives in forests on lower ground, even if they have been changed by people.

How Does the Vanikoro White-Eye Behave?

Scientists have watched the nests of the Vanikoro white-eye. They think these birds might be "cooperative breeders." This means that other birds, not just the parents, help take care of the young. This kind of behavior is not very common among other white-eye birds. The nest of this species is shaped like a deep bowl. It is carefully made from woven grass stems. These birds look for food in trees. They often search for food on tree trunks. They also look for food on the underside of branches.

Is the Vanikoro White-Eye Safe?

Experts at BirdLife International looked at this bird in 2016. They decided it was a species of "Least Concern." This means it is not currently in danger. The main forests where it lives are on high ground. People do not think these forests are threatened by trees being cut down. Also, the island is not visited very often. This helps stop new and dangerous invasive species from arriving. So, for now, this bird is probably safe.