The Marianne white-eye, also known as Seychelles chestnut-sided white-eye or Seychelles yellow white-eye, is an extinct species of small bird in the white-eye family.
Region
Seychelles (Inner Islands), Western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
This species inhabited small granitic islands, using coastal woodland, scrub, and secondary growth. It foraged through dense shrub layers and the lower to mid-canopy, including areas altered by coconut cultivation. Nesting likely occurred in low bushes or small trees, similar to other white-eyes. It favored edge habitats where insects and soft fruits were abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 150 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Marianne white-eye was a Seychelles island endemic, also called the Seychelles chestnut-sided white-eye. It likely disappeared in the early 20th century following habitat conversion to coconut plantations and the introduction of predators such as rats and cats. Knowledge of the species comes primarily from a handful of museum specimens and historical accounts. Its extinction highlights the vulnerability of small island birds to rapid environmental change.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Likely moved in pairs or small, chatty parties and occasionally joined mixed-species foraging groups, as many white-eyes do. Nests were probably small cups placed in shrubs or low trees, with both parents attending. Territoriality was modest outside of the immediate nesting area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched twittering with rapid chips and soft trills. Calls were contact-oriented, keeping small groups coordinated as they moved through foliage.
Plumage
Compact white-eye with olive-green upperparts and a distinct chestnut wash along the flanks, contrasted with yellowish throat and whitish belly. A neat, bright white eye-ring encircles the eye. Plumage texture is smooth and sleek, suited to active foliage-gleaning.
Diet
It fed on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Soft fruits and nectar supplemented its diet, especially during periods of high fruiting or flowering. Foraging was quick and methodical, picking prey from surfaces rather than prolonged aerial pursuits.
Preferred Environment
Dense shrubs, forest edges, and secondary woodland, including disturbed habitats such as coconut groves. It typically foraged in the lower and mid-canopy, shifting to flowering shrubs when nectar was available.
