Sri Lanka White-eye

The Sri Lanka white-eye is a small endemic resident, mainly of the highlands. It is slightly larger than the Indian white-eye, about 11 cm long, which it replaces above about 4,000 ft. The upperparts and neck sides are dark olive-green, the crown darker, the chin, throat and upper breast greenish-yellow, the belly greyish white, and there is the typical ring of tiny white feathers round the eye (Wikipedia, species account).

It is sociable, forming large flocks that break up only as the breeding season approaches, and builds a tree nest with three unspotted pale blue eggs. It is mainly insectivorous but also takes nectar and various fruits. A study suggested it may be the root species from which all white-eyes arose. Nationally Near Threatened (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).