Zosterops maderaspatanus
The Malagasy White-eye, a vibrant member of the Zosteropidae family, is a small, active passerine endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Archipelago. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm in length and weighing 7-12 grams, its most distinctive field mark is the prominent white eye-ring encircling a dark eye, contrasting sharply with its bright olive-green upperparts and yellowish-white underparts. Many individuals exhibit a yellowish wash on the throat and undertail coverts, adding to their cheerfu...
Found in a wide array of forested habitats, from humid evergreen forests to dry deciduous woodlands, as well as scrub, plantations, agricultural areas, mangroves, and urban gardens, typically from sea level up to 2000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming small insects and larvae gleaned from vegetation, but also regularly feeds on nectar from various flowers and small, soft fruits.
Malagasy White-eyes are highly active, diurnal birds, constantly flitting through foliage in search of food. They are often observed singly, in pairs during the breeding season, or forming restless, mixed-species foraging flocks outside of it, frequently joining other small insectivores. Foraging...
The Malagasy White-eye is endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Archipelago, exhibiting a widespread and generally common distribution across these islands. In Madagascar, it can be found virtually island-wide, inhabiting a broad spectrum of habitats from coastal lowlands to montane forests, reac...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Zosterops* literally translates to 'girdle-eye', referring to their iconic white eye-rings. - This species is an important pollinator for many native Malagasy plants, particularly those with tube-shaped flowers. - Despite its small size, it is a highly adaptable species, thrivin...