The Seychelles White-eye Zosterops modestus or Zwazo Linet in Creole, is rare and endemic. They may sometimes be seen in gardens and forests over 300m at La Misere, Cascade, and a few other places on Mahe.

It was regarded as one of the most endangered of the Seychelles endemic birds until 1997 when a thriving population was discovered on Conception Island. Since then, research has been carried out on the species and it has been successfully introduced to Fregate Island. In addition to insects, the white-eye feeds on fruits of native and introduced plants. The conservation goal for this species is to ensure its survival on at least three and ideally more islands in viable, self-maintaining populations. Its conservation status was changed from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2005 by the IUCN and is now listed as Vulnerable.

Facts

Scientific name: Zosterops modestus

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Population in Seychelles: 220-270 individuals

Distribution in Seychelles: Mahe, Conception, Fregate, North Island, Grande Soeur Island.

Habitat: Forests, scrub and gardens

Nest: Cup-shaped, built of grass, moss and spider webs. Two eggs laid

Diet: Insects, small fruits

Identification: A small grey bird, paler beneath. Each eye has a narrow white eye-ring

See more

Species fact Sheet at BirdLife Data Zone

(Photo Credit: Julie Gane)