Sri Lanka White-eye

The Sri Lanka White-eye is a small greenish songbird found only in Sri Lanka, mainly in the highland forests, gardens and plantations above 4000 feet. It is easily recognized by its bold white eye ring and yellow throat. This species usually moves in active flocks through the canopy of forests and nearby wooded areas in hilly regions. Compared to the Indian White-eye, it is slightly larger with a longer bill and has duller, more olive-toned upperparts and a greyish belly. It lacks the yellow forehead seen in its Indian relative. Its song is a fast jumble of “chuk-chuk-chuk” notes while its call is a sharp high-pitched “chirp.”

The bird is sociable and remains in flocks for most of the year except during breeding season. It builds cup-shaped nests in trees and lays three pale blue unspotted eggs. Though mostly insectivorous, it also feeds on nectar and various fruits. A study has shown that this species is not closely related to the Indian White-eye and may actually be the root species that gave rise to all other white-eyes across the world. The name Zosterops means "girdle-eye" in Greek, referring to the distinct ring of white feathers around its eyes.