'SILVER GRACE' the Silvereye - original artwork

About this bird:
Silvereyes are widespread in many parts of Australia, predominantly the south-east, with different populations throughout their range – some of which are highly mobile. You might not see many when the weather gets chilly in autumn, Silvereyes form large flocks and fly to warmer areas for the winter. However, it’s only the Tasmanian race that performs the incredible migration across Bass Strait and up the east coast of Australia, over 1600km. In the 1830s they turned up in New Zealand, apparently after being blown off course when crossing from Tasmania! Very little is known about how Silvereyes manage to complete their epic migration every year or, how they know where to go, what makes them want to go and how they fuel the trip. Other races migrate and cover considerable distances, but they don’t compete when it comes to this annual long-distance migration. Thus, in some places, local populations may be augmented or replaced by birds moving in from other areas. The Silvereye is an adaptable bird capable of spreading to new habitats with ease. They live in a range of vegetation including eucalypt forests and woodlands, mallee, heath and mangroves. Flowering trees are a magnet for Silvereyes, so look out for them in gardens, parks and even orchards when trees and shrubs are flowering. However, they don’t just eat nectar and fruit – they also love insects, so they are great to have in your garden. In fact, Silvereyes will help to keep a lot of the insects that damage plants under control. Mated pairs will build a small, neat nest by weaving fine grass and hair, and bind it together with spider webs, actively defending their small territory. It might only grow to about 15cm tall and weigh only 5-10g but its tenacity and enthusiasm for life is inspiring. Conservation Status: Secure.