Robust White-eye

The Lord Howe White-eye ( Zosterops strenuus, formerly Zosterops strenua ) is an extinct species of bird in the family of white-eyes. He was endemic to the Lord Howe Island.

Description

The Lord Howe White-eye reached a length of 13 centimeters. The top of the head and sides of the neck were dark olive green. The coat was olive gray. To the light brown iris was a broad white eye-ring. Under the eyes of a matte black bridle line was visible. Chin, throat, under tail-coverts and thighs were pale sulfur- yellow. The rest of the underside was isabellbraun, the edges were darker. The belly was whitish center as the under wing-coverts. The beak horn was black and the feet dark gray.

Way of life

The breeding season of the Lord Howe glasses bird was from November to December. The cup-shaped nest was 10 inches wide and 5 inches deep. It was built in a crotch of fine rootlets and grasses and lined with soft plant material. The nest consisted of two to three blue eggs. The food of Lord Howe glasses bird consisted of fruits and grains. Because he frequently invaded the fruit trees and the fields, he was regarded by farmers as a pest.

Extinction

The Lord Howe White-eye was extinguished within five years by black rats, who managed to escape from the wrecked ship SS Makambo in 1918. On subsequent search expeditions in 1928 and 1936, he could no longer be detected.