Malagasy White-eye (Zosterops maderaspatanus) [XC26431]
by Daniel Lane from Centr'est Hotel, Ranomafana NP, Fianarantsoa Prov., Madagascar (call)
Malagasy White-eye (Zosterops maderaspatanus) [XC158273]
by Phil Gregory from Chez Aroll, Masoala NP, Madagascar (call)
Subspecies
Distinctive subspecies kirki sometimes treated as a separate species, or as a subspecies of African Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis). Subspecies menaiensis poorly defined and of uncertain validity. Owing to its geographical isolation and different calls it is probably best retained, pending further studies.
Proposed form hovarum (Madagascar), formerly treated as a separate species, is not a valid taxon. The original description was based on a single specimen of an aberrant form (with grey upperparts), two similar examples of which have since been found on Cosmolédo Atoll (south-western Seychelles). Additional described taxa from Madagascar are ampotakae (a small form from Ampotaka, in dry south-western plain) and analogus (a slightly larger montane form described from Manjakatompo, in Ankaratta Mts). Both are treated as synonyms of nominate.
The following 7 subspecies are recognised:
aldabrensis (Linnaeus, 1766) - Aldabra Atoll (possibly also
still on Assomption), in south-western Seychelles. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Aldabra White-eye (Zosterops aldabrensis).
menaiensis Benson, 1969 - Cosmolédo Atoll (Menai)
and Astove, in south-western Seychelles.
kirki Shelley, 1880 - Grand Comoro (Njazidja), in NW
Comoro Is. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Kirk's White-eye (Zosterops kirki).
comorensis Shelley, 1900 - Mohéli (Mwali), in SC
Comoros. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Moheli White-eye (Zosterops comorensis).
anjuanensis Newton, E, 1877 - Anjouan (Ndzuani), in EC
Comoros. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Anjouan White-eye (Zosterops anjuanensis).
maderaspatanus (Linnaeus, 1766) - Madagascar, and
Glorioso Is (off north-western coast).
voeltzkowi Reichenow, 1905 - Europa I, in southern Mozambique
Channel.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet