Chestnut-flanked White-eye

Overview

The chestnut-flanked white-eye (Zosterops erythropleurus) is a small bird in the family Zosteropidae, first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863. It is the most migratory species of white-eye and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 10.5 cm with a distinct chestnut patch on the flanks.
• Underparts are whiter, and the bill base and lower mandible may be pinkish.
• Distinguished from the similar Japanese white-eye by its chestnut flanks, whereas the latter is pale brown on the flanks.

Habitat

This species breeds in Manchuria and migrates to central China, Yunnan, and northern Southeast Asia for the winter. It prefers deep mixed and coniferous forests, breeding in poplar, alder, and willow forests, thickets, and groves, while wintering in deciduous and evergreen forests usually above 1000 m.

Did you know?

It is the most migratory species of white-eye, travelling from Manchuria to wintering grounds in central China, Yunnan, and northern Southeast Asia.