Sri Lanka White-eye
Zosterops ceylonensis
A small, greenish white-eye, with a bold white eye ring and yellow throat. Usually encountered in active flocks within the canopy of forest and neighboring wooded areas in the hills and mountains. Similar to Indian White-eye, but Sri Lanka White-eye is larger, longer-billed, duller overall, particularly on the throat and belly. Also generally greener and lacking the yellow forehead of Indian White-eye. Frequently vocalizes; song is a jumble of fast-paced “chuk-chuk-chuk” notes, call a high-pitched “chirp”.
Identification
The Sri Lanka white-eye (Zosterops ceylonensis) is a small passerine bird in the white-eye family, which is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is a resident breeder in forests, gardens and plantations, mainly in the highlands.
Taxonomy
Genus: Zosterops; Family: Zosteropidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Zosterops ceylonensis
- Authority
- Holdsworth, 1872
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Zosteropidae
- Genus
- Zosterops
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Buru Mountain-Pigeon
Gymnophaps mada
A large pigeon confined to Buru. Shows a pale gray crown and nape, slate-gray upperparts, and a cream throat and breast becoming salmon-pink on the belly. Also note the red eye-ring and the red base to the pale bill. Juveniles are browner above, duskier below. Singles or pairs inhabit mainly foothill and montane forest, but occasionally lowlands. Extensive pale areas on both throat and breast, plus the pale gray crown and nape, separate it from Metallic Pigeon. Calls not yet confirmed, but a deep “wuooo” has been reported.
Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl
Ketupa nipalensis
Immense and imposing owl of dense wet lowland and hill forests. Silver-gray adult is majestic, with a large yellow bill, black eyes, and sweeping sidewards-facing “horns.” Juvenile is much paler, almost white, with shorter tufts. Gives deep echoing hoots. Primarily nocturnal, but will on occasion hunt by day; takes prey as large as small deer.
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