The Brush-Tongued Silvereye

Abstract

The form and description of the bifurcated, brush-like tongue of the Silvereye or White-eye, Zosterops spp., is given, and is illustrated by a photograph of the actual tongue of the bird. The little known and overlooked nectar feeding pattern by Zosterops in Australia is discussed, also the extent and benefits of flower pollination as a result of this behaviour.