| Meratus white-eye | |
|---|---|
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| Holotype male | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Zosteropidae |
| Genus: | Zosterops |
| Species: | Z. meratusensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Zosterops meratusensis Irham, Haryoko, Shakya, Mitchell, S, Burner, Bocos, Eaton, Rheindt, Suparno, Sheldon & Prawiradilaga, 2021
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The Meratus white-eye (Zosterops meratusensis) is a species of bird in the white-eye family, Zosteropidae. The species was described in 2021 by the Indonesian ornithologist Mohammed Irham and his colleagues based on genetic, morphological, and vocal differences from other Zosterops white-eyes. It is endemic to the Meratus Mountains of Indonesian Borneo, where it has been observed on Mount Besar and Mount Karokangen. It inhabits the mid and lower storeys of closed-canopy montane forests at elevations between 1,300 and 1,650 m (4,270 and 5,410 ft). It is a typical Zosterops white-eye, with deep olive-green upperparts, yellower underparts, a yellow stripe across the lores, and a distinctive bicoloured bill. Adults have a length of around 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) and a mass of 8.5–9.5 g (0.30–0.34 oz). Both sexes look alike.
Most aspects of the Meratus white-eye's ecology are unknown. It has it has been seen in mixed-species foraging flocks with other insectivores. Its breeding is also poorly studied, but presumed juveniles have been seen in the second week of July. The species is classified as being of least-concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on the IUCN Red List. It is thought to be locally common within the small area it inhabits and is not currently threatened, although the songbird trade may represent a future threat. Recommended conservation measures for the species include surveys to accurately estimate its population, finding the demand for the species in the songbird trade, and finding suitable tracts of habitat to protect.