🐦 Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) – The Tiny Social Songbird

The Indian White-eye, formerly known as the Oriental White-eye, is a small, active passerine bird recognized by its striking white eye-ring and vibrant yellow plumage. These birds are highly social and are often seen in small, chirping flocks. Although primarily found in forests, gardens, and shrublands, they are sometimes spotted in mangrove regions like the Sundarbans during seasonal movements.

🏷 Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Zosteropidae
• Genus: Zosterops
• Species: Zosterops palpebrosus

👀 Named for its distinct “white eye-ring,” this bird is known for its restless movements and continuous chirping.

🔬 Morphology & Physical Characteristics

• Size: Small, about 8–10 cm (3–4 inches).
• Weight: Lightweight, around 8–12 grams.
• Coloration:
  • Bright yellow-green upper body.
  • Whitish underparts.
  • Striking white ring around the eyes, making it easily recognizable.
• Distinct Features:
  • Sharp, pointed beak, perfect for feeding on nectar and insects.
  • Short, rounded wings, allowing quick movements.
  • Slender legs and feet, adapted for perching on thin branches.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

The Indian White-eye thrives in forests, gardens, mangroves, and urban green spaces.

🌎 Key Habitats:
✅ Sundarbans (India & Bangladesh) 🌿 – Occasionally seen in mangrove edges.
✅ Himalayan Foothills & Western Ghats 🌄 – Common in forested regions.
✅ India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia 🌏 – Widespread distribution.

📌 Preferred Habitat:

• Woodlands, orchards, and gardens – Rich in flowering plants.
• Mangrove forests & tree canopies – Attracts insects and nectar-rich flowers.
• Urban parks & plantations – Thrives in human-modified environments.

✨ Special Features & Adaptations

1️⃣ Gregarious Nature – Moves in active, chirping flocks, often mixing with other small birds. 🐦
2️⃣ Omnivorous Diet – Feeds on nectar, fruits, and small insects. 🍃🐛
3️⃣ High-Pitched Calls & Songs – Uses a sweet “tsee-tsee” sound to communicate. 🎶
4️⃣ Pollinator Role – Helps in flower pollination while feeding on nectar. 🌸
5️⃣ Fast & Agile Movements – Can hover briefly like a hummingbird when feeding. 🚀

🌿 Presence in the Sundarbans

While not a core mangrove species, the Indian White-eye is occasionally seen in tree-rich areas of the Sundarbans, particularly where flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees are abundant.

📌 Key Areas in the Sundarbans:
✔ Mangrove edges & mixed tree zones – Foraging for insects and nectar.
✔ Flowering shrubs & fruiting trees – Attracted by food sources.
✔ Forested patches near riverbanks – Seen during seasonal movements.

⚠️ Threats & Conservation Challenges

🚨 Habitat Destruction – Deforestation reduces foraging grounds.
🚨 Pesticide Use – Affects insect populations, impacting their diet.
🚨 Climate Change – Alters flowering patterns and food availability.
🚨 Illegal Pet Trade – Sometimes captured due to their attractive appearance.

✅ Conservation Efforts

✔ Afforestation Programs – Increasing green spaces for nesting and feeding.
✔ Eco-Tourism & Birdwatching Awareness – Encouraging conservation through education.
✔ Pollution Control – Reducing pesticide use to maintain insect populations.

🚨 Conservation Status

📌 IUCN Red List: Least Concern (Stable Population).
📌 CITES: Not Listed.
📌 Indian Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule IV (Moderate Protection).

While not endangered, habitat degradation could affect local populations in the future.

The Indian White-eye is a charming, highly active bird that brings vibrancy to the Sundarbans and other forested areas. As a pollinator and insect controller, it plays an important role in the ecosystem balance. By promoting forest conservation and sustainable tourism, we can help protect this cheerful, social species for future generations. 🌿🐦

🌟 Credit Note

🌿 Discover the beauty of Sundarbans with a Sundarban private tour. 🛶✨
🌍 Plan a mesmerizing Sundarban trip and explore its exotic wildlife. 🐯🌱
🐟 Celebrate Bengal’s seafood tradition at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025 🎣🍽.

For more details, visit the Indian White-eye Wikipedia Page.