Zosterops lateralis

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Family

Zosteropidae

Genus

Zosterops

Species

lateralis

Common Names

Silvereye, Blightbird, Green-backed Silvereye, Grape-eater, Greenie, Grey Silvereye, White-eye, Ring-eye, Silvey, Spectacled Blightbird, Tauhou, Wax-eye

Distinguishing Features

The Silvereye is a small bird with a conspicuous white eye-ring. Its beak, legs and back are black and the wings and head are olive-green. Breeding birds have yellow throats, pale belly sides and a white undertail.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Repeated high pitched notes. Otherwise a quieter, pleasant song, including mimicry of other birds.

Similar Species

The Yellow White-eye is similar, however it is only found in far north regions of Australia. It is also found in the surrounding islands of New Zealand, Fiji. Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

Distribution

Right across southern Australia and a thick coastal band through northern NSW and QLD.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Breeding records show a slight decline in the last 15 years. In Canberra, numbers peak from April to July (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. In some commercial orchards they are considered a pest. The population of Lord Howe Island, Zosterops lateralis tephropleurus, is vulnerable, confined to a small area and susceptible to pest introduction.

LSCCES Population

The species was found over most of the Sullivans Creek Catchment, with highest numbers recorded at ANBG and no sightings at the NMA.

Associated vegetation community

Silvereyes have a mostly woodland habitat, with a preference for orchards or urban parks and gardens.

Limiting Resources

This species prefers disturbed, suburban vegetation such as lantana and privet. Its diet will vary with availability, however orchard fruit are preferred.

Breeding

The nest is a small, neatly woven cup of grasses, hair, and other fine vegetation, bound with spider web and hidden in a tree or shrub just above the ground. The duration of a full breeding cycle is about 10 weeks. 2 or 3 bluish-green eyes are incubated by both parents and usually at least two clutches are raised in a season. In Canberra, young can be observed from mid October until March.

Behaviour

Silvereyes are fimiliar to many southeastern Australian cities, as they are fairly tame and spend time in low trees and shrubs. Pairs actively defend a small territory and commonly nest in shrubs right next to houses. After breeding, they gather into small parties and then into large foraging groups. They are migratory and local Canberra birds leave in autumn to be replaced by Tasmanian birds in the wintertime. They usually travel overnight.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

Silvereyes generally feed on nectar, fruits and insects, however they will eat almost any food put out by humans.

Predators

The Common Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea ) may visit the nest of the Noisy Friarbird, pushing out its young. Feral or domestic European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus) may also predate this species.

Interesting Fact

Although one of Australia's smallest birds, the Silvereye is capable of travelling great distances during migration, with Silvereyes from the most southerly regions of Tasmania travelling all the way up to southern Queensland.