Mascarene White-eye

Photo by James J Williams

Alternative names: Grey White-eye; Mascarene Grey White-eye

Zosterops borbonicus

Includes: Mauritius Grey White-eye; Reunion Grey White-eye

Identification

9.5 cm. White rump, the rest of the body is blue grey. The legs are nearly blackish. There is also a conspicious ring of white feathers around the chestnut coloured eyes.

Distribution

Réunion and Mauritius.

Taxonomy

Two to four subspecies recognized:

• Z. b. borbonicus - Reunion Grey White-eye - on Reunion.
• Z. b. alopekion on Reunion, usually merged in borbonicus
• Z. b. xerophilus on Reunion, usually merged in borbonicus
• Z. b. mauritianus - Mauritius Grey White-eye - on Mauritius

The species is sometimes split in two full species.

Habitat

Woodlands, forests, and gardens.

Behaviour

Its diet includes insects, fruits and nectar.

2-4 pale blue eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest which is padded with plant material.

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