Veuve Nature Reserve

The Veuve reserve covers a patch of low woodland and marsh in the middle of La Digue, and it exists for one bird: the Seychelles paradise flycatcher, called the veuve or widow for the male's long black tail, which was reduced to this island alone and numbers in the low hundreds. The birds need mature takamaka and badamier trees for nesting. A warden's hut and short marked paths run through the reserve.

What you actually see

• The paradise flycatcher - the endemic bird whose last stronghold this is.
• The male's tail - the long black streamers that give the bird its local name.
• The nesting trees - the mature takamaka and badamier the species depends on.
• The marked paths - the short routes through the woodland and marsh.

When to go

Year round; early morning and late afternoon are best for the birds. Breeding activity is highest from October to March. Midday sightings are less likely.

Honest expectations

Sightings are not guaranteed and take patience and quiet. The reserve is small and the paths take twenty minutes. There is no visitor centre beyond the warden's hut.

Nearby

L'Union Estate is south, and Anse Source d'Argent is beyond it.