The silvereye, also known as wax-eye, or white-eye, has a conspicuous white ring around the eye, thus giving the bird it's name.  The head and upperparts are olive green with a grey band across the back which extends around the chest.  The underparts are a peachy brown with white under the tail.  Quite an attractive colourful bird when seen through the lens.

Silvereyes feed on a variety of foods, invertebrates, fruit, nectar and will feed in flocks over winter in gardens and parks from bird tables, eating fats, cooked meats, and bread and sugar water.  They have a specially adapted tongue, with bristles, which allows them to lap up nectar.  They prefer the fruit of native trees but do feed on other fruiting species.

Silvereyes stay in pairs all year but in the winter they form big flocks, often flying at night in search of food.  As the breeding season approaches the pairs break away to form individual territories and the first year birds pair up.  Prolific breeders, they raise 2-3 broods per season, with between 2-5 eggs per brood.  Both adults incubate for about 11 days and the chicks fledge at about 10 days.  The young are independent at 3 weeks and will breed at about 9 months old.

Silvereyes are very talkative giving a plaintive 'cree' not unlike a horses neigh.

There are many silvereyes Tiritiri Matangi.

Photography by:  Max McRae ©

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.