The Mayotte white-eye or chestnut-sided white-eye is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is now found only on Mayotte in the Comoro Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Comoro Islands, Western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Occurs across Mayotte in subtropical or tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, mangrove edges, and secondary scrub. It also frequents plantations, village gardens, and forest edges where flowering shrubs and fruiting trees are common. The species forages from understory to canopy, readily using mixed or degraded habitats. Mangrove margins and coastal thickets are regularly visited for insects and nectar.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 660 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the chestnut-sided white-eye, this small passerine is endemic to Mayotte in the Comoro Islands. It often forages in chattering groups and plays a role as both a pollinator and seed disperser. The species adapts well to secondary growth and gardens, which has helped buffer it from extensive habitat loss.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically moves in small, chatty parties and may join mixed-species flocks. Pairs form during the breeding season and build small, cup-shaped nests in low branches or dense shrubs. Both parents participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, tinkling trills interspersed with thin whistles. Soft contact calls of tsit or tsee are exchanged constantly while foraging.
