Zosteropids

Zosteropids are a family of small passerine birds belonging to the order Passeriformes. They are commonly known as white-eyes. This family, Zosteropidae, is characterized by a distinctive ring of brightly colored feathers around each eye, typically white or yellow, which gives them their common name. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia.

Most zosteropids are small, typically between 8 and 15 centimeters in length. They possess short, thin, and often slightly decurved bills, adapted for feeding on nectar, fruit, and insects. Their plumage is generally drab, often shades of green, yellow, or grey, with the most striking feature being the eye-ring. They are highly social birds, often seen foraging in mixed-species flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Zosteropids inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, woodlands, scrublands, and even urban gardens. Their diet consists of nectar from flowers, small fruits, and arthropods, which they glean from foliage and bark.

The taxonomy of zosteropids has undergone revision, with some species previously placed in this family now assigned to other groups. However, the core group of white-eyes remains well-defined. They are generally considered to be insectivorous and frugivorous birds that play a role in pollination and seed dispersal within their ecosystems. Many species are relatively common and widespread, while others are rarer and may be endemic to specific islands or regions, making them vulnerable to habitat loss.