Javan White-eye

Tentang

The Javan White-eye (Zosterops flavus) is a small passerine bird endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia. It is characterized by its distinctive white eye-ring, bright yellow plumage, and active, arboreal behavior. This species is typically found in coastal and lowland habitats, often in mangroves and scrubland.

Ukuran dan masa hidup

Panjang

10-11 cm

Bentang sayap

Approximately 15-17 cm

Berat

8-12 g

Masa hidup

3-5 years in the wild (estimated)

Makanan

Omnivore, primarily insectivorous and frugivorous

Ciri fisik

Bulu

Overall bright yellow plumage, with a slightly paler yellow belly and undertail coverts. The back and wings are a slightly duller yellow-green. The most prominent feature is the conspicuous white eye-ring, which is broad and complete. The lores (area between the eye and bill) are yellow, blending with the head plumage. Flight feathers and tail feathers are dusky with yellow edgings.

Bentuk paruh

Small, slender, pointed, and slightly decurved bill, typically blackish or dark horn-colored.

Warna mata

Dark brown.

Warna kaki

Dark grey to blackish.

Ciri pembeda

The combination of bright yellow plumage, a prominent white eye-ring, and its specific geographic range on Java are key. Its small size and active foraging style are also characteristic.

Penampilan muda

Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage and a less distinct white eye-ring. The yellow coloration might be less vibrant.

Perubahan musiman

No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed.

Dimorfisme seksual

None apparent; males and females are morphologically identical in plumage and size.

Cara identifikasi

1. 1

   Plumage Color

   Look for the overall bright, almost uniform yellow coloration, especially on the underparts. This is a key differentiator from other white-eyes.

2. 2

   Eye-ring

   Observe the prominent, broad, and complete white eye-ring. This feature is characteristic of all white-eyes but its distinctness on a bright yellow head is notable for Z. flavus.

3. 3

   Habitat

   Consider the habitat. If you are in coastal or lowland areas of Java, especially in mangroves or scrub, and see a bright yellow white-eye, it is very likely Z. flavus.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Watch for its active, acrobatic foraging style, often in small, chattering flocks, moving quickly through foliage.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its high-pitched, warbling song and soft 'tsee-tsee' contact calls.

Habitat dan persebaran

Bioma

Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, mangroves, coastal scrub, and plantations.

Persebaran geografis

Endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia, with a fragmented distribution primarily along the northern and eastern coasts.

Rentang ketinggian

Typically found from sea level up to approximately 300 meters (rarely higher).

Lingkungan yang disukai

Mangrove forests, coastal scrub, casuarina groves, coconut plantations, and secondary growth near human settlements. It shows a strong preference for coastal and lowland areas.

Perilaku

Waktu aktivitas

Diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon.

Kebiasaan makan

Forages actively and acrobatically among foliage, gleaning insects and larvae from leaves and branches. Also consumes small fruits, berries, and nectar. Often seen probing flowers for nectar. Feeds in small, mixed-species flocks or in pairs.

Perilaku sosial

Highly social, usually found in small flocks of 5-15 individuals, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks with other small passerines. Pairs maintain contact with soft calls.

Pola terbang

Flight is typically short, undulating, and rapid, often between dense vegetation. They are agile fliers within the canopy.

Pola migrasi

Resident species; no significant migratory movements are known. They are sedentary within their localized ranges.

Teritorialitas

While generally social, breeding pairs may exhibit some territorial behavior around their nest sites, defending against conspecifics and potential predators.

Reproduksi

Musim kawin

Primarily during the wet season, typically from October to April, but can vary locally depending on food availability.

Kebiasaan bersarang

Builds a small, neat, cup-shaped nest suspended from a fork in a branch, usually in dense foliage of a shrub or small tree. Nests are constructed from fine plant fibers, moss, spider silk, and lichen.

Jumlah telur

2-3 eggs.

Deskripsi telur

Typically 2-3 eggs, pale blue or bluish-white, unmarked.

Masa inkubasi

Approximately 10-12 days, primarily by the female.

Masa terbang

Chicks fledge around 10-14 days after hatching.

Perawatan orang tua

Both parents participate in incubation (though female more so) and feeding of the nestlings and fledglings.

Di mana ditemukan

Tips lapangan

1. Look for movement in foliage. These are very active birds. Scan dense shrubs and tree canopies for small, quick movements. They rarely stay still for long.
2. Listen for calls. Their soft contact calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are foraging in flocks. Learn their 'tsee-tsee' calls.
3. Visit early morning or late afternoon. Like many small passerines, they are most active during the cooler parts of the day, making these the best times for observation.
4. Check mixed-species flocks. Javan White-eyes frequently join mixed-species foraging flocks. If you find one such flock, look closely for the bright yellow white-eye.

Spesies serupa

Fakta singkat

Endemic to:

Java, Indonesia

Key Feature:

Bright yellow plumage and prominent white eye-ring

Habitat Preference:

Coastal mangroves and lowland scrub

Social Behavior:

Highly social, often in flocks

Diet:

Insects, fruits, nectar

Fakta menarik

• The genus name 'Zosterops' comes from Ancient Greek, meaning 'girdle-eye', referring to the distinctive white eye-ring.
• Despite its bright coloration, its small size and active nature can make it surprisingly difficult to spot in dense foliage.
• The Javan White-eye's conservation status was recently upgraded to 'Near Threatened' due to habitat loss and trapping for the cage bird trade, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

Klasifikasi ilmiah

Kerajaan

Animalia

Filum

Chordata

Kelas

Aves

Ordo

Passeriformes

Famili

Zosteropidae

Genus

Zosterops

Spesies

Zosterops flavus

Jelajahi Javan White-eye