About Zosterops lateralis (Latham, 1802)
This species, Zosterops lateralis, is a small bird that measures 11 to 13 cm in length and weighs approximately 10 grams. It has a distinct ring of white feathers around its eye. Plumage varies across its different subspecies. Generally, the wings are olive-green; the back can be either grey or olive-green; the throat is lighter in colour, ranging from yellow to grey; the flanks vary from chestnut to pale buff; and the undertail can be either white or yellow. Within Australia, this species undergoes seasonal migrations, and the ranges of different subspecies overlap. On the other islands that fall within this species' range, each island typically hosts only a single subspecies, so only one plumage variant can be observed there. The sperm of Zosterops lateralis has a 13.01 μm head, a 52.75 μm midpiece, and a 56.69 μm flagellum, for a total sperm length of 69.71 μm. Zosterops lateralis, commonly called the silvereye, is native to Australia, New Zealand, and the south-west Pacific islands of Lord Howe, New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji. It is common to abundant across the relatively fertile south-west and south-east parts of Australia, including Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands, and throughout the well-watered coastal zone of tropical Queensland, including Cape York Peninsula. Within its distribution range, the silvereye can be found in any vegetated area except open grasslands. Suitable habitats include forest, scrub, horticultural blocks, and urban gardens.
