Hello, everyone! Have you ever heard of a bird called “Bonin Honeyeater”? Today’s featured bird is an incredibly rare little bird found only on three islands in the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands!
The Bonin honeyeater, measures about 14 cm in length—slightly smaller than a sparrow. Its back and tail feathers are a dark greenish or yellowish-brown, while its face and belly are a vivid yellow. This coloration makes it stand out softly even in the evergreen forests. If you look closely, you’ll notice a distinct triangular black marking around its eyes. This feature is the origin of its Japanese name “Meguro” (which literally means “black around the eyes”). There’s also a white ring of feathers encircling its eyes.
The Bonin honeyeater is a relative of the Japanese white-eye. It was once classified under the bulbul family, but genetic research has shown that it’s actually more closely related to white-eyes—surprising, right? Its appearance does resemble a white-eye in some ways.
This bird lives mainly in the forests of Haha-jima, Mukou-jima, and Imouto-jima. It’s an omnivore, feeding on nectar, fruits, insects, and even spiders. Bonin honeyeaters live in pairs, though in winter, they sometimes form small flocks. Interestingly, even though they are strong fliers, they don’t cross over to neighboring islands—a bit of a mystery! While they used to inhabit other islands, their population has decreased due to environmental destruction and invasive species. Today, they are protected as a Special Natural Monument of Japan and are classified as an endangered species.
With a tiny body and a big personality, the Bonin honeyeater is truly unique. If you ever get the chance to experience the nature of the Ogasawara Islands, be sure to look up into the forest canopy—you might just spot one! Until next time!
