Least Concern Birds

Cape White-eye

Zosterops virens

Cape White-eye is an omnivorous bird of African woodlands, gardens, and shrubs.

Scientific name	Zosterops virens
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Zosteropidae
Size	Male: approximately 10-12 grams; Female: approximately 10-12 grams

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How to identify

Small-sized bird, body length about 11-12 cm; distinct white eye-ring around the eyes; plumage mainly green to yellow-green; short and slender bill; relatively short tail

Habitat

Open woodlands, shrublands, gardens, and edges of farmland

Diet

Omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects, small invertebrates, and fruits

When it is active

Diurnal, active frequently during the day

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in the Cape Province of South Africa and surrounding areas; endemic to southern Africa

How to spot it

Observe in early morning or late afternoon at shrub edges or gardens, noting its active foraging behavior

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture its dynamic movements while hopping among branches foraging; utilize natural light to highlight its distinctive eye-ring

Threats

Minimal impact from habitat destruction and urbanization; no major threats currently

Similar species

Similar to other species in the genus Zosterops, distinguished by plumage color and distribution range; e.g., African White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis) has a grayer plumage

📖 how to spot the cape white eye on safari