FAMILY NAME: Zosteropidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Zosterops lateralis SUBSPECIES: Not listed here, as reference materials conflict.
SIZE: 11 to 13cm. (4.5 to 5") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found around most of the coastal areas of Australia except the north and northwest. They are not found in the arid centre.
BREEDING: They breed form August to February, having 2 to three eggs in a clutch and may have 2 to 3 broods in a season. Both the female and male incubate and care for the young.
GENERAL: These birds have a varied diet, enjoying insects, fruit and nectar. They may be seen in pairs and after breeding form large flocks. Migratory, in that they will move north as winter approaches, then return south in breeding season. Markings vary but all have the distinctive white ring around the eye. Head, wings and tail are generally olive/yellow, with blue/grey back and light underside.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
