- Insects: Japanese white-eyes primarily eat insects, such as beetles, flies, grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars. They forage for these insects on branches and leaves of trees and shrubs, as well as in the understory vegetation.
- Spiders: Japanese white-eyes also consume spiders, which are often found in the same habitats as their insect prey. They use their sharp beaks to capture and manipulate the spiders.
- Other invertebrates: In addition to insects and spiders, Japanese white-eyes sometimes eat other invertebrates, such as worms, snails, and slugs.
As for predators, Japanese white-eyes are targeted by various predators due to their relatively small size and lack of strong defense mechanisms. Some of the common predators of Japanese white-eyes include:
- Raptors: Birds of prey, such as hawks, falcons, and owls, are natural predators of Japanese white-eyes. Raptors hunt by flying high in the sky and then diving down quickly to capture their prey.
- Snakes: Certain snakes, such as rat snakes and tree snakes, are also predators of Japanese white-eyes. Snakes can climb trees and shrubs to reach the birds and their nests, making them vulnerable to predation.
- Larger birds: Some larger bird species, such as crows and starlings, may prey on Japanese white-eyes. They can compete for food and nesting sites, and may also prey on the birds' eggs and young.
- Introduced predators: Invasive species, such as feral cats, rats, and squirrels, can also impact Japanese white-eye populations. These predators may prey on the birds' eggs and young, leading to reduced reproductive success.