Mauritius olive white-eye

The Mauritius olive white-eye (Zosterops chloronothos, often mistakenly spelled Zosterops chloronothus) is a very rare and localized passerine from the family of white-eyes (Zosteropidae). It is one of two white-eye species endemic to the island of Mauritius, the other being the Mauritius grey white-eye.

This species was first described in 1817 by French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot as Zosterops chloronothos. It can reach a size of about 10 cm (3.9 in). The upperparts are a dull olive-green, the underparts a paler color. The belly and vent have a yellow hue and the eyes are surrounded by a conspicuous white ring. The males and females are similarly coloured. The habitat of the Mauritius olive white-eye is the evergreen bushes and forests in the area of the Black River Gorges National Park, the Macchabée-Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve and, following re-introduction, on Île aux Aigrettes. Its diet consists of nectar and insects.

During the breeding period, between September and March, two pale eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest, which is well-hidden in the foliage. Males and females share brooding tasks. Normally only one juvenile is reared, which becomes fully fledged in about 14 days.