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.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with clean whitish underparts and rich chestnut flanks; throat and breast washed yellow. Feathers are sleek and smooth, giving a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes soft fruits and berries and frequently probes flowers for nectar. Will opportunistically take small invertebrates flushed by movement in foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds from understory shrubs up to the mid-canopy, especially in forest edges, mangroves, and gardens. Often exploits flowering and fruiting trees in human-modified landscapes.
