Cape White-eye, Zosterops pallidus or Orange River White-eye (Z. pallidus)
Now this little bird is one of the reasons I struggle and sometimes avoid, trying to identify the smaller bird species. I placed a picture on FB to ask for help and one expert tells me the Photos are of the Orange River sub specie.. but believe it or not there are two other sub specie, the SW and the E green.
They all interbreed as well I’m told, so how does one ID these little birds other than to call them LBJ (Little Brown Jobs)? I don’t know, I sometimes avoid posting some captures as I might just name it incorrectly, and someone will be on my back..
These little birds when not breeding congregate in big flocks and flit around together.. they nest in little cup like structures, laying two to three pale blue eggs that only take 11 to 12 days to hatch and then within the next 13 to 14 days they fly away. Now that is some growing speed.
White-eyes feeds mainly on insects, but also soft fleshy flowers, nectar, fruit and small grains, and it readily comes to bird feeders. Here’s a few photos..
The speed of their reported growth is amazing, which is a distinct survival advantage I think.
That’s correct Alex… get ’em up and out of there…
You have done well capturing these photos. I find smaller birds very difficult to shoot as they rarely stay still long enough for you to compose, focus and press the shutter.
You have got that right.. taking snaps of the LBJ’s results in at least 50% blank photos.. just no bird there, were there was one before…
I love your photo collection; it really reveals so much of the character and personality of this bird.
Thank you Charlie…
These LBJ’s are quite lovely. 🙂
Thank you..
Sweet little birds…
Thanks…
Well done, very shy birds.
Have a few photos of them but these were the first good enough to post.. thank you..
Amazing pics, Bulldog. What a cute little bird 🙂
Thanks Dianne..
A beautiful bird again … that white ring around the eyes makes the eyes look like they are on the outside of the head. You’re turning into a “birder” and your camera like them too.
Thanks Viveka..
Gotta love the look of the eyes.
Thanks Frank
Now all you need is some technology to play the bird’s call every time your post is read by the birders. That MIGHT IMPRESS THEM…as for me, I am very happy reading your blog and enjoying the wonderful pictures you add. You’re a favorite, Bulldog!
Thank you for such kind words… will have to work on that bird call item…
A lovely little bird, Bulldog. You have such patience… and your photo’s are exceptional!
thank you.. so kind of you …
So cute! Great photos. 🙂
I think in Afrikaans they’re called sysies, but there’s also gazillions of sub species and what-not under that name. In my family we just stick to the main name and leave it at that.
Years ago we were visiting family friends and they had a huge tree in their front garden filled with nests of these little birds. As luck would have it many of them picked that day to kick out their chicks for their first flying lessons. It was amazing to see!
Now that is something special to see.. that first flight..
Such interesting eyes! Beautiful little thing! So you have the birder-police following you for accuracy, huh? Funny! I think you do amazingly well to identify as many animals and birds as you do! I can’t do as well with only a small portion of the species you encounter! 🙂
Thank you… yes they look over my shoulder.. mind you I look over theirs as well
Beautiful photos of this sweet little bird, What big eyes he has. 🙂
Aren’t they just.. forgot to say how small the bird is.. oh well too late now…
Fabulous shots. probably some of the most loveliest birds I’ve ever seen
Thank you .. so kind..
He is a little cutie no matter who he may be. Nice photos as always too.
Thank you..
The little fellow (or gal) coordinates so well with the flower it desires. Leave it to nature to have such excellent fashion sense!
Didn’t see that till you pointed it out… clever to spot that..
I’ve been doing some quilting lately (thus playing with colorful fabrics), so my eyes are attuned to color. 🙂
Cute lil guys 🙂
thank you..
They are so pretty!
Thanks..
You have amazing birds where you live. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thank you Anneli
Enjoyed the cute little bird and what a beautiful flower don’t think we have those in the US
Kymee
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It is a little beauty and the flower is of the Australian Silver Oak..
Oh, they are absolutely beautiful bulldog and what amazing shots you took! I feel I can reach through my screen and touch them! Thanks so much for sharing this beauty my friend and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 *big hugs*
thank you Sonel.. and you have a good weekend as well..
You’re welcome bulldog and I will thanks. 🙂 *big hugs*
What a sweet looking little bird. Good pics, Bulldog 🙂
Thank you..Michelle.. I appreciate the complement..
They’re pretty little birds. I don’t know 90% of the birds I photograph – I just like them. Most times someone can help identify them, but sometimes not. But they’re still fun to look at. 🙂
Unfortunately too many birders follow my blog .. specially on FB and boy if I make a mistake they jump on my back quickly… but I do love capturing birds…