Zosterops mouroniensis
The Karthala White-eye, Zosterops mouroniensis, is a diminutive and highly endangered passerine bird, endemic to the Comoros archipelago. Measuring approximately 12 cm in length, it exhibits a classic white-eye silhouette, characterized by bright olive-green upperparts and duller, greyish-white underparts. Its most distinctive feature, common to its genus, is a prominent, narrow white eye-ring that contrasts sharply with its dark lores and eyes. The bill is slender and dark, and the legs are ...
Found exclusively in humid montane evergreen forest and cloud forest, primarily at elevations between 1,000 and 2,360 meters on Mount Karthala.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small insects, larvae, and spiders, supplemented by nectar and small fruits.
This active, diurnal species typically forages restlessly in the forest canopy and subcanopy, often in small, cohesive flocks of 3-10 individuals, and occasionally participating in mixed-species foraging flocks alongside other Karthala endemics. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning in...
The Karthala White-eye is strictly endemic to the Comoros archipelago, specifically confined to the upper slopes of Mount Karthala on Grande Comore (Ngazidja) island. Its entire known distribution spans a very small area, primarily between 1,000 and 2,360 meters above sea level. This species is a...
Critically Endangered
- The Karthala White-eye is one of the world's most range-restricted bird species, found only on a single volcano. - Its entire global population is confined to the upper slopes of Mount Karthala on Grande Comore island. - The species is classified as Critically Endangered, making it one of the m...