Zosterops pallidus
Orange River White-eyes occur only in South Africa’s central and western provinces and into Namibia, where they commonly inhabit thorny riparian vegetation and well-planted gardens, feeding primarily on insects and other invertebrates. Little is known about the breeding habits of these tiny birds (9g in weight, 11cm long), though their nesting season apparently spans spring and summer.
The IUCN considers the Orange River White-eye to be of least concern. Many authorities consider it a subspecies of the closely related and very similar Cape White-eye, with which it sometimes interbreeds. We had our first encounter with the Orange River White-eye during a recent visit to Augrabies Falls National Park.
Orange River White-eye
Orange River White-eye
Orange River White-eye
DeWetsWild 
If it can interbreed with the Cape cousin, is it actually a separate species?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly the reason why the scientists are divided on the subject. But by that same token, horses and donkeys must then also be the same species if they can bring forth mules? Luckily these things can be figured out be people much smarter than me, and I can be left to enjoy the little beauties.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True… I won’t ask… we’ll just enjoy!! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That they certainly are, Teresa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Easy to see where this one gets its name!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does carry his moniker well 😀
LikeLike
Lovely gallery of this little bird. I shared a link here from Twitter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very kind of you, thanks P J B!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a tiny beauty 😍
LikeLike
Most certainly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a pretty little thing and well-named!
LikeLike
They move around with such ease that they’d be easily overlooked if it wasn’t for their sweet tweets drawing attention to them
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are gorgeous photos of a beautiful bird. We have “white eyes” in Japan too – they move very quickly and are challenging to photograph. Thank you for sharing — I’ve been enjoying your photos for a few years. Best wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the comment and for your support of our blog, Takami – it is nice to meet you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your reply. It’s a pleasure to finally say “hello” – I’ve been a silent admirer for some time 🙂 My husband and I enjoy viewing the beauty of your country through your lens.
Best wishes, Takami
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I am sure I will be learning much from your wonderful photos too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A cute little guy, this one is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re so sweet and tiny and we’re very happy that we finally got to see them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another beautiful little bird! I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Deb!
LikeLiked by 1 person
great photo’s
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Esta!
LikeLike
A very pretty little bird.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were thrilled to see them!
LikeLike