Which small East Asian bird is known for a distinctive white eye ring?

Which small East Asian bird is known for a distinctive white eye ring?

• A. Common raven
• B. European robin
• C. Short-tailed pygmy tyrant
• D. Japanese white-eye

Answer: (D)

The distinctive white ring around the eye is the key clue. That bright eye-ring is exactly what gives away the Japanese white-eye, a small East Asian passerine whose name comes from that defining feature. The white ring sits around the eye and contrasts with the bird’s subtle olive-green and pale plumage, making it a quick field mark for this species. Other birds listed don’t display that white eye-ring: the raven is a large, dark bird with no white ring; the robin has a plain eye and a different overall look; and the short-tailed pygmy tyrant comes from the Americas and also lacks this characteristic white eye ring.

The distinctive white ring around the eye is the key clue. That bright eye-ring is exactly what gives away the Japanese white-eye, a small East Asian passerine whose name comes from that defining feature. The white ring sits around the eye and contrasts with the bird’s subtle olive-green and pale plumage, making it a quick field mark for this species. Other birds listed don’t display that white eye-ring: the raven is a large, dark bird with no white ring; the robin has a plain eye and a different overall look; and the short-tailed pygmy tyrant comes from the Americas and also lacks this characteristic white eye ring.