The Seychelles fody is a small yellowish songbird that are native to the Seychelles islands of Cousin Island, Cousine Island, Frégate Island, and have been introduced to Aride Island, D'Arros Island and as of 2004 Denis Island. Their natural habitat is woodland, but they have adapted to living in such habitats as coconut plantations and gardens.
Region
Seychelles Archipelago
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to a few small islands (Cousin, Cousine, and Frégate), it has been successfully introduced to additional predator-managed islands such as Aride, D’Arros, and Denis. It occupies native woodland, coastal scrub, and casuarina or takamaka groves, and also uses coconut plantations and village gardens. The species favors areas with dense shrub or low tree cover for nesting and foraging. It is most common on smaller islands where invasive predators are controlled.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Seychelles fody is a small yellowish weaver endemic to the Seychelles and a conservation success story thanks to translocations from predator-free refuges like Cousin Island. It readily adapts to modified habitats such as coconut plantations and village gardens. Males build dome-shaped nests with side entrances, a hallmark of weaverbirds. It can be confused with the introduced Red fody, but Seychelles fody males are yellow rather than bright red in breeding plumage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in small groups, while pairs defend a nest area during breeding. The male weaves several dome-shaped nests from grass and leaves, often to attract a mate. Breeding can occur year-round with peaks after rains, and both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a light, twittering series of chirps and trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp metallic ticks and ‘tok-tok’ notes that carry well in scrubby habitats.
Plumage
Breeding males are yellow on the head and underparts with olive-brown upperparts; non-breeding males and females are duller olive-brown with a yellowish wash. Feathers are smooth with minimal streaking, giving a clean, uniform look. Juveniles are more brownish with faint mottling.
Diet
It feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage and bark. It also takes nectar, soft fruits, and seeds when available, making it an opportunistic omnivore. Around human settlements it may pick small food items from gardens and compost areas.
Preferred Environment
Foraging occurs in low trees, shrubs, and the mid-canopy, as well as on the ground in leaf litter. It is especially active along woodland edges, coastal scrub, and among coconut and casuarina stands.
