Japanese White-eye

Overview

Japanese White-eye: Small and active, this introduced songbird has olive-green upperparts and a prominent white eyering. Chin, throat and undertail coverts light yellow, belly off-white with dusky wash on sides and flanks. Gray wings and tail are outlined in green. Legs, feet, and bill are black.

Range and Habitat

Japanese White-eye: Abundant and widespread on all main islands in wet forests and suburban areas from sea level to the tree line.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Japanese White-eye is the most common bird in the Hawaiian Islands.
It was introduced to Hawaii as a means of pest control in 1929. This bird has become a carrier of avian parasites that contribute to the decline of native species.
A group of white-eyes are collectively known as a "spectacle" and a "ring" of white-eyes.

The Japanese White-eye has a very large range, estimated globally at between one million and ten million square kilometers. It is primarily found in Asia, though it has been introduced to the United States. Found on all the main islands of Hawaii. This bird prefers ecological systems of Temperate, Subtropical, or Tropical Forests, although it has been known to reside in urban areas and rural gardens. The population of the bird has not been determined but is estimated to be quite large, as the bird is listed as common in many areas where it resides. The Japanese White-eye does not currently meet the criteria for the IUCN Red List and has an evaluation level of Least Concern.