Ambon white-eye
| Ambon white-eye | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Zosteropidae |
| Genus: | Zosterops |
| Species: | Z. kuehni
|
| Binomial name | |
| Zosterops kuehni Hartert, 1906
| |
The Ambon white-eye (Zosterops kuehni) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Indonesia. They are found on the islands Ambon and Serman in Indonesia. Ambon white-eye birds are known for their distinctive coloring, including the white rings around the bird's eyes.[2] The Ambon white-eye is near threatened due to habitat loss.[3]
Taxonomy
The Ambon white-eye appeared over two million years ago. The bird quickly migrated to many islands.[4] The Ambon white-eye is also known as a monotypic species.
Description
The Ambon white-eye is a small bird measuring about 12 cm long.[3] The top of the bird's head and underparts are olive green, with a black streak under the eye.[3] The tail and wing feathers are black and brownish, merging with the olive green.[3] The bird's chin, throat, and undertail is a bright yellow.[3] The rest of the underbody and legs is a grayish- white with a black bill on the upper side and a greyish color below.[3] The bird also has grey legs.[3] Both of the Ambon white-eye genders look alike.[3]
Habitat
Its natural habitats are lowland forest, wetlands, and rural gardens.[3]
Distribution of Migration
The Ambon white-eye birds are from the Ambon and Seram Islands in Indonesia. The Ambon white-eye does not migrate, as the weather conditions remain tropical and consistently warmer in their climate.[5]
Behavior
The Ambon white-eye is an omnivore bird.[6] The bird feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar.[6] The bird has a tiny tipped tongue.[6] This allows the bird to collect nectar from flowers and feeders.[6] Ambon white-eyes are normally seen in pairs or small groups of three or four.[3] The species is known to be cautious or careful when eating.[3] The bird's call is short with a single “teeu” note.[3]
Threats and Conservation
The Ambon white-eye is currently being considered as a near threat.[3] The species is currently not globally endangered.[3] The bird's habitat is slowly diminishing on Ambon island.[3] This due to deforestation and loss of habitat.[3] If destruction of the forest on the island continues, it could lead to population decline in the future.[3]
References
- ^ BirdLife International (2017). "Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017 e.T22714155A117490529. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22714155A117490529.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ BirdLife International (BirdLife International) (2023-03-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-03.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q van Balen, Bas; de Juana, Eduardo (2020). "Ambon White-eye (Zosterops kuehni), version 1.0". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.ambwhe1.01. ISSN 2771-3105.
- ^ BirdLife International (BirdLife International) (2023-03-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-03.
- ^ BirdLife International (BirdLife International) (2023-03-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-03.
- ^ a b c d "This Non-Native Songbird Is Taking Over California—Will the Rest of the Country Be Next? | Audubon". www.audubon.org. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2025-10-14.