Ambon white-eye

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Ambon white-eye
Zosterops kuehni 247437638.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Zosteropidae
Genus: Zosterops
Species:
Z. kuehni
Binomial name
Zosterops kuehni
Hartert, 1906

The Ambon white-eye (Zosterops kuehni) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Indonesia. [2] They are found on the islands Ambon and Serman in Indonesia. [3] Ambon white-eye birds are known for their distinctive coloring, including the white rings around the bird's eyes. [4] The Ambon white-eye is near threatened due to habitat loss. [5]

Contents

Taxonomy

The Ambon white-eye appeared over two million years ago. The bird quickly migrated to many islands. [6] The Ambon white-eye is also known as a monotypic species. [2]

Description

The Ambon white-eye is a small bird measuring about 12 cm long. [5] The top of the bird's head and underparts are olive green, with a black streak under the eye. [5] The tail and wing feathers are black and brownish, merging with the olive green. [5] The bird's chin, throat, and undertail is a bright yellow. [5] The rest of the underbody and legs is a grayish- white with a black bill on the upper side and a greyish color below. [5] The bird also has grey legs. [5] Both of the Ambon white-eye genders look alike. [5]

Habitat

Its natural habitats are lowland forest, wetlands, and rural gardens. [5]

Distribution of Migration

The Ambon white-eye birds are from the Ambon and Seram Islands in Indonesia. [2] The Ambon white-eye does not migrate, as the weather conditions remain tropical and consistently warmer in their climate. [7]

Behavior

The Ambon white-eye is an omnivore bird. [8] The bird feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar. [8] The bird has a tiny tipped tongue. [8] This allows the bird to collect nectar from flowers and feeders. [8] Ambon white-eyes are normally seen in pairs or small groups of three or four. [5] The species is known to be cautious or careful when eating. [5] The bird's call is short with a single “teeu” note. [5]

Threats and Conservation

The Ambon white-eye is currently being considered as a near threat. [5] The species is currently not globally endangered. [5] The bird's habitat is slowly diminishing on Ambon island. [5] This due to deforestation and loss of habitat. [5] If destruction of the forest on the island continues, it could lead to population decline in the future. [5]

References

  1. BirdLife International (2017). "Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017 e.T22714155A117490529. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22714155A117490529.en . Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "Ambon White-eye - BirdForum Opus". BirdForum. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  3. "Ambon White-eye - BirdForum Opus". BirdForum. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  4. BirdLife International (BirdLife International) (2023-03-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-03.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 van Balen, Bas; de Juana, Eduardo (2020). "Ambon White-eye (Zosterops kuehni), version 1.0". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.ambwhe1.01. ISSN   2771-3105.
  6. BirdLife International (BirdLife International) (2023-03-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-03.
  7. BirdLife International (BirdLife International) (2023-03-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Zosterops kuehni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2025-05-03.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "This Non-Native Songbird Is Taking Over California—Will the Rest of the Country Be Next? | Audubon". www.audubon.org. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2025-10-14.