Mauritius Olive White-eye

The Mauritius White-eye ( Zosterops chloronothos ) is a very rare passerine bird of the family of white-eyes ( Zosteropidae ). It is endemic to the island of Mauritius.

Description

This species was first described in 1817 by French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot. The Mauritius White-eye reaches a length of about 10 cm. The top surface is dull olive green, the underside is paler colored. Belly and rump have a yellow tint. To the eye, there is a conspicuous white ring. Males and females look alike. Its habitat are evergreen shrubs and forests in the area of the Black River Gorge National Park and the Macchabée Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve. Its diet consists of nectar and insects. During the breeding season from September to March two pale eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest, which is well hidden in the foliage. Both parents participate in the rearing of the young. Usually a young bird is raised, which will fledge after 14 days.

Endangering

The Mauritius White-eye is one of the rarest birds on Mauritius. Its hard to observing birds inhabit an area of 25 km ². The main hazards are introduced in monkeys and rats, which plunder the nests. The stock was within 25 years of 700 copies in 1975 to only 120 pairs in 2002. Since it feeds on nectar as a food specialist from certain indigenous flowers, another dramatic decline is also due to the invasive plants that have replaced its food plants. Currently, there is a monitoring by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation for every found nest.