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Indian White Eyed Zosterops |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
4 to 6 inches (10 to 14cm). Named for the bold circle of white feathers
around the eye. Olive on top, head and neck, becoming paler at sides and
blending into bright yellow underside and greyish stomach. Eyes brown,
beak black, legs greyish. Immatures greener and duller, white around eyes.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
India, Sri Lanka, Indo-China and the Greater Sunda Islands.
HABITAT
Lowland woods, but can also be found at high altitudes. Leave for breeding
grounds in April.
DIET
Place food on small table of some sort, approximately 16 to 24 inches
(40 to 60cm) because they are rarely on the ground; are usually in foliage
looking for insects, larvae, berries, fruit, leafbuds and even nectar
drawn with their pointed beak. Also like soaked or cooked rice, berries,
bilberries, bananas, dried fruits; mashed-fruit concoction of cherries,
apples, pears, apricots, oranges and dates sweetened with fruit sugar;
and mixture of small ant pupae, sponge cake and grated apples and carrots.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Low tolerance of temperature changes and low temperatures; preferable
to keep indoors in winter. Bathing an absolute must. Slowly pine away
if not kept in pairs.
CAGE LIFE
Tolerant towards other species, extremely tame with keeper. Male has pleasant
song. Show to full advantage in glass area or cage 27 ¥2 X
20 X 24 inches (70 X 50 X 60cm). Build shallow, cup-shaped nest in trees
and thick bushes of moss and plant fibres. Lay 2 to 4 green-blue eggs,
incubation 10 to 12 days by both parents, fledging 10 to 13 days. Separate
young as soon as become independent to avoid father chasing them aggressively.
Nest never used again, and is sometimes partially destroyed and materials
re-used.
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