Mountain blackeye

Mountain Blackeye (Chlorocharis emiliae) is a species of bird in the Zosteropidae family, which is native to the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, primarily found in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Mountain Blackeye is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by its predominantly black face and bright yellow underparts.

Description

The Mountain Blackeye is a small bird, measuring approximately 12-13 cm in length. It has a striking black face, which contrasts with its olive-green upperparts and vibrant yellow underparts. Both males and females exhibit similar plumage, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone. This species is also noted for its melodious song, which consists of a series of high-pitched notes.

Habitat and Distribution

This bird is found in the high elevation forests of Southeast Asia, with a range that extends from the mountains of Borneo to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. It prefers dense, moist montane forests, typically above 1000 meters in elevation. The Mountain Blackeye is a resident species, meaning it does not migrate and spends its entire life within a relatively small area.

Behavior

The Mountain Blackeye is an active and social bird, often seen in pairs or small groups. It feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates, as well as fruits and berries. Its foraging behavior involves gleaning prey from leaves and branches in the forest understory. This species is also known for its agility, frequently moving through the vegetation in search of food.

Conservation Status

As of the last assessment, the Mountain Blackeye is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Although its population size has not been quantified, it is believed to be stable. The species benefits from occurring in several protected areas across its range, which helps to mitigate potential threats from habitat loss and degradation.

Reproduction

Information on the breeding habits of the Mountain Blackeye is limited. However, it is known to breed during the wet season, when food resources are abundant. Nests are typically constructed in the dense foliage of trees or shrubs, where the female lays and incubates a small clutch of eggs.

See Also

• List of birds of Malaysia
• List of birds of Indonesia
• Zosteropidae