Everett's white-eye (Zosterops everetti) is a bird species in the disputed family Zosteropidae, which might belong with the Old World babblers (Timaliidae). The name commemorates British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett. It is only found on the Talaud Islands, Sulu Archipelago and the Philippines. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests.

Description and taxonomy

Illustration in Meyer & Wiglesworth (1898)

Subspecies

Six subspecies are recognized:

  • Z. e. everetti – Found on Cebu
  • Z. e. basilanicus – Found on Dinagat, Siargao, Camiguin Sur, Mindanao, and Basilan
  • Z. e. boholensis – Found on Samar, Calicoan, Biliran, Leyte, and Bohol
  • Z. e. siquijorensis – Found on Siquijor
  • Z. e. mandibularis – Found on the Sulu Archipelago
  • Z. e. babelo – Found on the Talaud Islands

Ecology and behavior

Likely a generalist that feeds on fruit, berries, small insects and nectar. Forages in the understory and often joins mixed-species flocks with other small birds. Breeding season believed to be April to August. Nest is a typical white-eye nest, a few meters above on a small tree. Clutch size 3-4.

Habitat and conservation status

This bird's habitat is primary and secondary forest and scrubland up to 1,000 meters above sea level.

IUCN has assessed this bird as least-concern species as it has a wide range and is fairly adapatable to degraded habitats. However, the population is still believed to be declining due to deforestation in the Philippines continues throughout the country due to slash and burn farming, mining, illegal logging and habitat conversion.