The Aldabra white-eye is a bird species in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to the island of Aldabra in the Indian Ocean.
Region
Western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
It is restricted to the Aldabra Atoll, occupying coastal scrub, thickets, mangrove edges, and open woodland. Birds forage from ground level to the canopy, moving through shrubs and low trees. They are especially frequent around flowering bushes and fruiting plants. The atoll’s porous coral limestone and saline conditions shape a tough, low vegetation mosaic that this species uses effectively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 10 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is confined to the remote Aldabra Atoll of Seychelles, where it is common in coastal scrub and mangroves. Like many white-eyes, it feeds on insects, nectar, and small fruits and likely helps pollinate flowering shrubs. It is adaptable within the atoll’s harsh, saline environment and often moves about in lively groups. The species benefits from Aldabra’s protection and absence of major invasive predators.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile through shrubs
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it often forms small, chattering parties that move quickly between bushes. During breeding, pairs become more territorial and nest low to mid-level in dense vegetation, building a small cup nest. Clutches are typically small, and both parents care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high-pitched, tinkling notes and soft twitters delivered in brief bursts. Contact calls are thin and sibilant, keeping flocks coordinated while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellow throat and vent, and paler grayish-white underparts. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
It gleans small insects and spiders from leaves and twigs and will probe flowers for nectar. Fruits and soft berries are also taken when available. Foraging is rapid and methodical, often in mixed-age vegetation patches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in coastal scrub, low woodland, and mangrove margins where flowering shrubs and small trees are abundant. Often forages in the outer foliage layers and along edges where insects are concentrated.
