Silvereye
Zosterops lateralis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Zosteropidae
About
The silvereye or wax-eye, also known by its Māori name tauhou, is a very small omnivorous passerine bird of the south-west Pacific. In Australia and New Zealand its common name is sometimes white-eye, but this name is more commonly used to refer to all members of the genus Zosterops, or the entire family Zosteropidae.
Fun Fact
Silvereyes colonized New Zealand from Australia in 1856 entirely under their own power, establishing a self-sustaining population within years of arrival.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in any vegetated area, apart from open grasslands, within its distribution range, including forest, scrub, horticultural blocks and urban gardens.
Diet
Feed on small insects and spiders and large amounts of fruit and nectar, making them occasional pests of commercial orchards.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance