Wangi-wangi White-eye
Zosterops paruhbesar
Only described in 2022; endemic to the island of Wangi-Wangi in the Tukangbesi archipelago off the southeastern tip of Sulawesi. Relatively large and lanky for a white-eye, with a striking orangey-yellow bill immediately distinguishing it from Wakatobi White-eye, the only other white-eye on the island. Also note the pale belly and chest contrasting with the relatively dull yellow upperparts and yellow throat. Found throughout the island in patches of taller and denser forest, although uncommon and already declining due to habitat loss and trapping for the cagebird trade. Gives a variety of calls, including a distinctive nasal series and a stuttered "tew-tew-tew." The less commonly heard song is a sweet warbling phrase, slower, lower-pitched, and less rambling than the song of Wakatobi White-eye.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Zosterops paruhbesar
- Authority
- Irham, Prawiradilaga, Menner, O'Connell, Kelly, Analuddin, Karya, Meads, Marples & Rheindt, 2022
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Zosteropidae
- Genus
- Zosterops
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
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