Zosterops

Zosterops is a genus of small passerine birds belonging to the white-eye family, Zosteropidae. The name Zosterops is derived from the Greek words "zoster" meaning "girdle" or "eye-ring" and "ops" meaning "eye," referring to the prominent ring of feathers, often white but sometimes differently colored, that surrounds their eyes.

These birds are found throughout much of the tropical and subtropical Old World, including Africa, southern Asia, Australasia, and several islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Their distribution makes them one of the most widespread bird genera.

White-eyes are typically small, active birds that forage in flocks. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, scrubland, gardens, and mangroves. Their diet consists primarily of insects, fruits, nectar, and occasionally seeds. They are known for their acrobatic feeding habits, often hanging upside down to reach food.

Zosterops species are generally greenish or yellowish above and paler below, with the characteristic eye-ring providing a key identification feature. However, plumage coloration and eye-ring color can vary significantly between species and subspecies, leading to taxonomic complexities and ongoing revisions within the genus. The number of species within the genus Zosterops is subject to debate, with various authorities recognizing different classifications based on morphological, genetic, and behavioral data. Speciation within the genus is likely driven by island isolation and adaptation to local environments.

Their nests are small, cup-shaped structures built from plant fibers, spiderwebs, and other soft materials, typically suspended in the fork of a tree branch. They usually lay two to four eggs.

Due to their adaptability and widespread distribution, many Zosterops species are considered common and are not currently threatened. However, some island populations are vulnerable to habitat loss, introduced predators, and competition with introduced species.