Zosterops olivaceus
The Réunion Olive White-eye (Zosterops olivaceus) is a diminutive and engaging passerine endemic to Réunion Island, measuring around 10.5-12 cm (4.1-4.7 in) in length and weighing 8-12 grams. Its plumage is characterized by glossy olive-green upperparts, contrasting with a greyish belly and flanks, and bright yellow undertail-coverts, often with a yellow wash on the throat. The most striking and diagnostic field mark is the distinct, unbroken white ring encircling its eye, a hallmark feature ...
Found in a variety of forest types, from native evergreen forests and humid woodlands to secondary growth, agricultural areas, and even gardens, typically at elevations from sea level up to 2,500 meters.
Primarily omnivorous, feeding on small insects, spiders, nectar from various flowering plants (e.g., *Sideroxylon*, *Fuchsia*), and small soft fruits and berries.
Diurnal and highly active, the Réunion Olive White-eye forages constantly, often seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. It gleans insects from foliage and bark, probes flowers for nectar with its specialized brush-tipped tongue, and pluc...
The Réunion Olive White-eye is strictly endemic to Réunion Island, a French overseas department situated in the southwestern Indian Ocean. It is a resident species, exhibiting no migratory movements, and remains confined to the island throughout its life cycle. Its distribution spans the entire i...
Least Concern
- Endemic to Réunion Island: It is found nowhere else in the world, making it a unique component of the island's biodiversity. - Nectar Specialist: Possesses a unique brush-tipped tongue, perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from flowers, often hovering briefly like a hummingbird. - Vital Poll...