Réunion grey white-eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Réunion grey white-eye |
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| On the slopes of La Roche Écrite | |
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| Brown morph at Plaine des Chicots | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Zosterops
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| Species: |
borbonicus
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| Range highlighted in green | |
The Réunion grey white-eye (Zosterops borbonicus) is a small, active bird that lives only on the island of Réunion. It's part of the white-eye family, known for the ring of white feathers around their eyes. This special bird is one of the few native birds on Réunion that has learned to live alongside people, even in gardens and towns!
Contents
What's in a Name? (Taxonomy)
Scientists group living things into categories. This helps them understand how different species are related. The Réunion grey white-eye is closely related to the Mauritius grey white-eye (Zosterops mauritianus). For a long time, these two birds were thought to be the same species, just living on different islands. Now, most scientists agree they are two separate species.
Sometimes, animals of the same species can look a bit different. These different looks are called "morphs." For the Réunion grey white-eye, some scientists think there might be different types, but most agree that the different looks are just morphs of the same main type.
What Does It Look Like?
This little bird is about 9.5 centimeters (about 3.7 inches) long. Its feathers can be different shades, from gray to brown. A cool thing about this bird is its tail feathers, which are noticeably white. This is different from its cousin, the Réunion olive white-eye.
The rest of its body feathers also vary in color. They are usually a blue-grey color with a brownish tint on their back. Their sides often have a distinct reddish-brown color. They have chestnut-colored eyes with a very faint ring around them. Both the Réunion grey white-eye and the Réunion olive white-eye have white feathers on their chest and sides that look a bit like "epaulettes" (shoulder decorations).
Life and Habits
The Réunion grey white-eye lives in many places, including woodlands, forests, and even gardens. It's the only bird native to Réunion that has adapted well to areas changed by humans.
What Do They Eat?
These birds have a varied diet. They eat insects, fruits, and nectar from flowers. They are also very important for the plants on Réunion! They help pollinate orchids like Angraecum striatum and the special Trochetia species, helping these plants reproduce.
Social Life and Reproduction
Réunion grey white-eyes often move around in small groups. These groups can have anywhere from six to twenty birds. They are known for being quite noisy!
They usually breed during the southern summer. The female bird builds a cup-shaped nest, lining it with soft plant materials. She then lays two to four pale blue eggs.
Gallery
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Brown morph at Col des Boeufs displaying white "epaulettes"
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Foraging at a banana inflorescence at Saint-Denis
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