Name:
Silvereye
Genus:
Zosterops lateralis
Description:
A small bush bird that can be found in the Parklands year round is the beautiful Silvereye. During winter the resident mainland birds are joined by the migrating birds escaping the southern winter in Tasmania.
Silvereyes are mainly yellow-green with a grey breast and back. The head is yellow and they have a short pointed black bill. The most striking feature of the face is the ring of white feathers around the eye. They have a brush tipped tongue which they use to eat nectar. The birds from Tasmania have rich chestnut coloured flanks and stand out in a mixed flock of birds.
The migrating birds generally travel in flocks at night, and during the day travel through the treetops feeding as they go. They like to be in flocks and can form large gatherings.
When feeding they work slowly through the foliage searching for insects, nectar, berries and fruit. While foraging for food they move constantly from tree to tree with bouncy flight and much calling. They are likely be found in a diverse range of habitats including woodland, forest, coastal heath, mangroves as well as parks, gardens and orchards.
Breeding takes place between September and January. The nest is a small deep cup of grass bound together with webs. It is hung under a branch by the rim and is usually very well hidden in dense foliage. The female produces from 2 to 4 eggs and both sexes share the nest building and incubation duties. The eggs hatch after about 10 days and again both sexes see to the feeding of the chicks. There are many places in the Parklands where you might see Silvereyes, and in winter keep a look out for the birds from Tasmania.