Habitat
Dense mixed woodland with an abundance of native fruiting trees, farms, residential areas, orchards, forest edge and mixed secondary forest. From sea-level - 600 m.
Inner Is (Mahé and adjacent Conception), in north-eastern Seychelles. Introduced on Frégate I, North I and Cousine I.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 50 - 249 (2010) and increasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction, degradatio and fragmentation, nest-predation by the introduced Black Rat Rattus rattus and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), and fire or disease are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Principally insects, but also berries and nectar.
Voice
A short, trilling nasal contact call and a loud song.
Seychelles White-eye (Zosterops modestus) [XC403977]
by Ross Gallardy from Grand Anse Mahe, Seychelles (call)
Seychelles White-eye (Zosterops modestus) [XC403978]
by Ross Gallardy from Grand Anse Mahe, Seychelles (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
May be related to Reunion Olive White-eye (Zosterops olivaceus) and Mauritius Olive White-eye (Zosterops chloronothos), to which it bears closest resemblance and with which it shares similar wing-flicking action and staccato calls. However, recent DNA studies suggest Madagascar White-eye (Zosterops maderaspatanus) as closest relative. Birds on Mahé on average larger (longer wing and tarsus) than those on Conception, with a 28% genetic difference recorded.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet