Green-backed white-eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green-backed white-eye |
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Zosterops
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| Species: |
xanthochroa
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The green-backed white-eye (Zosterops xanthochroa) is a small bird found only on the islands of New Caledonia. It's also called the New Caledonian white-eye. This bird belongs to a family called Zosteropidae, which are known for the white rings around their eyes.
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Discovering the Green-backed White-eye
This bird was first officially described by a scientist named George Robert Gray in 1858. He studied a bird specimen found in New Caledonia. Scientists are still learning about how this bird is related to other white-eye species. It might be closely related to other white-eyes found in nearby islands. These include the small Lifou white-eye, the Fiji white-eye, and the yellow-fronted white-eye. They all share similar yellow feathers on their undersides.
Where the Green-backed White-eye Lives
The green-backed white-eye lives only on the islands of New Caledonia. You can find it on Grande Terre, which is the main island. It also lives on smaller islands like L'Île-des-Pins and Maré in the Loyalty Islands. On Lifou Island, you'll find different types of white-eyes instead.
These birds mostly live in thick rainforests, from the coast up to high mountains. They are less common above 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet). Sometimes, they visit gardens or open areas to find ripe fruits and berries. In more open areas, you might see the silvereye instead, which is a related bird.
Even though this bird lives in a small area, it is quite common there. Especially in the south of Grande Terre and on Maré Island. Scientists believe their numbers might be slowly decreasing. This is due to their homes being lost or broken up. However, they are not decreasing fast enough to be considered in danger. So, they are listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.
What the Green-backed White-eye Looks Like
The green-backed white-eye is a small bird, about 11.5 to 12.5 centimeters (4.5 to 5 inches) long. It weighs around 8.5 to 12 grams (0.3 to 0.4 ounces). Its head and back are a dark olive green color. It has a wide white ring around its eye. There are black feathers in front of its eye, which breaks the white ring.
Its throat and chest are bright yellow. The feathers on its belly are a dull white color. Its wings are brown and olive green. The bird's beak is slate-colored, with a white base on the lower part. Its legs are also a pale slate color. Both male and female birds look alike. Scientists have not yet described what young birds look like.
Green-backed White-eye Behaviour
Green-backed white-eyes eat different kinds of fruits and insects. They enjoy fruits like papaya and berries from plants like Lantana. After their breeding season, these birds often gather in feeding flocks. These groups can grow larger as the months go by.
These flocks sometimes leave the rainforest to find food that changes with the seasons. They also join other bird species to feed. These mixed groups can include silvereyes, fan-tailed gerygones, and red-throated parrotfinches. Sometimes, they are hunted by barn owls.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The main time for green-backed white-eyes to breed is from August to October. However, scientists are not completely sure about the exact timing. It's possible that their breeding season lasts until January. They might even have two sets of chicks in one season.
These birds build their nests in the fork of a tree branch or a shrub. They use small roots, hair, feathers, and spiderwebs to make their nests. Female birds lay between two and four turquoise-colored eggs. Each egg measures about 16.5 by 13 millimeters (0.65 by 0.5 inches).
