White-eyes

White-eyes (genus Zosterops) are small passerine birds belonging to the Zosteropidae family. In various agricultural regions worldwide, they are recognized as significant pests that cause damage to orchards, vineyards, and berry plantations during the fruiting season.

These birds primarily damage crops such as grapes, figs, stone fruits, and citrus. They are attracted to the high sugar content of ripening fruits and the moisture found within the pulp, which often leads to substantial economic losses in intensive farming systems.

The biology of Zosterops species involves gregarious behavior, with birds gathering in large flocks. This social structure allows them to systematically forage across an entire orchard, rapidly depleting the crop before the grower can initiate harvest protocols or protection measures.

The damage caused by white-eyes is characterized by pecking holes in the skin of fruits and berries. Once the integrity of the fruit is breached, it becomes susceptible to dehydration, fermentation, and colonization by pathogens, rendering the affected yield unmarketable for fresh consumption.

Effective control measures focus on physical exclusion and deterrent strategies. Growers frequently utilize fine-mesh bird netting to cover trees and vines. Additionally, integrated pest management may involve the use of motion-activated sonic deterrents, visual repellents, or reflective materials to discourage flocks from settling in the field.