Teardrop White-eye

The Truk White-eye ( Rukia ruki ) is a rare songbird of the family of white-eyes. It is common on the Chuuk Islands in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Description

The Truk White-eye reached a size of fourteen centimeters. The plumage is uniformly dark brown. The beak is black. The legs are orange. It is characterized by a striking teardrop stain under the eyes. His lively song consists of lilting flute tones.

Distribution and habitat

The Truk White-eye is endemic to four small islands Tol South, Wonei, Pata and Polle in the Chuuk Lagoon. It inhabits original primeval forests, in particular the well-developed forest above 400 m at Mount Winipot on Tol South. Its habitat is dominated by figs, palms of the genera Clinostigma, Parinarium and Randia as well as the type of trees Semecarpus kraemeri.

Way of life

About his lifestyle is so far little known. The only known nest was found in 1988 kraemeri in the toxic species Semecarpus, which is endemic to the islands of Chuuk Lagoon. Breeding birds were observed in April. The food of Truk glasses bird consists of insects, which he picks up the leaves.

Status

During an expedition of scientists from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984, the stock of Truk glasses bird was estimated at 526 individuals. Of these, 19 occurred on Wonei copies, 32 copies on Pata, 93 copies on Polle and the largest share of 382 copies at Mount Winipot on Tol South.

The forest has disappeared in many parts of the Chuuk Islands. Even the trees of Semecarpus kraemeri be greatly cut down, because they are considered by the locals as a plague.