88 Captain R. Meincrtzliagen on 



There are two albinos of tliis species in the Port Louis 

 Museum. 



10. ZOSTEROPS CHLORONOTA. 



Zosterops chluronotu Gadow, Cat. Birds, ix. p. 193. 



Yeux Blancs. 



Zozo Fit-Fit. 



This species is now a rare bird in the island and is 

 confined to the forests of the south-west corner. I saw a 

 single specimen near Curepipe in January 1911 and three 

 others near Bassin Blanc in February 1911. They were all 

 ridiculously tame. 



The nest is cup-shaped and built of moss and grass with 

 an occasional feather. 



The call-note, which is the only one I ever heard, is not 

 unlike the " chirp ■'"' of a young Sparrow. 



There is an albino of this species in the Port Louis 

 Museum. 



11. ZoSTEROPS MAURITIANA. 



Zosterops mauritiana Gadow, Cat. Birds, ix. p. 191. 



Oiseau Blanc. 



Oiseau Manioc. 



This bird is generally distributed throughout the island 

 and usually goes about in small family parties. The 

 white rump is very noticeable and gives a ready clue to the 

 species. 



It is very tame and inquisitive. A mouse is quite 

 sufficient to cause tremendous excitement. I have seen five 

 of these birds " mob '' a mouse in much the same way as 

 Tits will " mob " an Owl. They got into a perfectly insane 

 condition, whilst the mouse lost his head and squealed 

 as only a Mauritian shrew can. The whole episode was 

 very comic. 



The call-note appeared to be a loud chirp, which is uttered 

 frequently on the wing. The restless movements and 

 jerky flight reminded me of our Long-tailed Titmouse. 



There is an albino of this si)ecies in the Port Louis 

 Museum. 



