Kosrae White-eye

Zosterops cinereus

Small ash-gray warbler-like bird, endemic to the Micronesian island of Kosrae. Combination of uniform coloration, size, and pale eye-ring makes this species unique on the island. Forages in a range of wooded habitats, from mangroves to remnant native rainforest. Much like other white-eyes, often forages in active, fast-moving flocks, but can also be encountered singly or in pairs. Gives squeaky chirruping calls rather similar to those made by sparrows or small parakeets.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Zosterops cinereus
Authority
(Kittlitz, 1832)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Zosteropidae
Genus
Zosterops

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Red-necked Tanager

Red-necked Tanager

Tangara cyanocephala

Handsome small tanager that inhabits the canopy of humid forests, forest edges, and woodlands; often accompanies mixed-species flocks and visits feeding stations. Mostly green with a blue crown and throat and red cheeks and nape. Males have a black back and females are duller with a mottled black back.

Common Paradise-Kingfisher

Common Paradise-Kingfisher

Tanysiptera galatea

A long-tailed kingfisher of lowland forests. White underparts and rump, dark blue upperparts with pale blue shoulder and crown. Long white tail with 2 extended central tail feathers ending in spatula tips. Sits still for long periods whilst slowly pumping its tail. Very similar to Little Paradise-Kingfisher, but Common Paradise-Kingfisher is larger, with a paler crown, white rather than blue outer tail feathers and a heavier bill. The safest way to separate, however is by vocalization. Heard more often than seen. Song, a rapidly accelerating and slightly rising series of dry notes.

African Paradise-Flycatcher

African Paradise-Flycatcher

Terpsiphone viridis

This remarkable flycatcher occurs in both rufous and white morphs, but it always has grayish underparts and a strong crest. The breeding male has ludicrous central tail feathers, twenty centimeters long, that trail like the ribbon of a rhythmic gymnast, while the female lacks the tail streamers and has a smaller crest. Singles and pairs occasionally join flocks in open woodland, riverine forest, and thickets, avoiding lowland evergreen forest. Very vocal, often giving a repeated grating “dzee-zwee” call and a sweet melodic “willie-willie-willie-wee-wooo” song. The very similar Rufous-vented Paradise-Flycatcher differs from African Paradise-Flycatcher by having a rufous undertail and a shorter crest.

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