Cape White-eye

Overview

The Cape white-eye (Zosterops virens) is a small passerine bird in the white-eye family, native to southern Africa. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is commonly found in suburbia, parks, and gardens, as well as in a variety of mesic to well-watered habitats.

Identification

• Approximately 12 cm long with rounded wings and strong legs.
• Features a conspicuous ring of white feathers around the eyes.
• Upperparts are green, with a bright yellow throat and vent; the Z. v. capensis subspecies has a grey breast and belly, while Z. v. virens has a greenish-yellow breast and belly.
• Very vocal, producing soft trilled pee, pree or pirreee call notes and songs consisting of repeated long jerky phrases of sweet reedy notes that may include mimicked phrases of other birdcalls.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of densely to lightly wooded habitats in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, and marginally in Mozambique. Most populations are resident, though some perform minor seasonal movements.

Diet

Feeds mainly on insects, but also consumes soft fleshy flowers, nectar, fruit, and small grains. It readily comes to bird feeders.

Did you know?

Their songs can incorporate mimicked phrases of other birdcalls.