Swinhoe's white-eye (Zosterops simplex) is named after Robert Swinhoe (1836-1877), an English naturalist and diplomat who first formally described the bird in 1861. Swinhoe's made significant contributions to ornithology, as many species were named in recognition of his extensive collection and documentation of Asian wildlife. The bird is characterised by the distinctive white ring around its eye, which gives the genus Zosterops (white-eyes) its name. It is found in Asian habitats – East China, Taiwan, Indochina, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo – preferring woodlands, cultivated areas, & mangroves. It is also present in California.
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