Zosterops mayottensis
The Mayotte White-eye, Zosterops mayottensis, is a charming and active small passerine endemic to the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-9 grams, its most striking feature is the prominent, broad white eye-ring that encircles its dark eye, contrasting with its slender, blackish bill. Its plumage consists of olive-green upperparts, which transition to a brighter yellowish-green on the rump and tail-edges, while the underparts are ge...
Occupies a wide array of wooded habitats on Mayotte, from coastal scrub and mangrove forests to primary and secondary forests, plantations, and even urban gardens. Found from sea level up to the island's highest elevations.
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on small insects and their larvae, nectar from a variety of flowering plants, and small soft fruits. Forages by gleaning, probing, and occasionally hawking.
Mayotte White-eyes are highly diurnal and perpetually active, constantly flitting through the canopy and understory in search of food. Outside the breeding season, they frequently form small, cohesive flocks of 5-15 individuals, often joining mixed-species foraging parties to enhance foraging eff...
The Mayotte White-eye (Zosterops mayottensis) is strictly endemic to the island of Mayotte, a French overseas department situated within the Comoro Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Its distribution encompasses the entirety of the main island, Grande-Terre, and its smaller sister island, Petite-Te...
Least Concern
- The Mayotte White-eye is strictly endemic to the island of Mayotte, making it a truly unique species found nowhere else on Earth. - Its distinctive white eye-ring is a common feature among the over 100 species in the Zosteropidae family. - They play an important role as pollinators on Mayotte d...