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
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.