The family of small passerine birds known as Zosteropidae is often pronounced with the stress on the second syllable – /zo-stər-OP-ə-dye/ – but the correct stress is actually on the third syllable, as in /zo-stə-RO-pə-dye/. This is because the word derives from the Greek "zoster", meaning "girdle" or "belt", and "ops", meaning "eye". The stress falls on the antepenult (third from last syllable) in Greek-derived words, which explains the correct stress pattern for Zosteropidae.
Zosteropidae is a taxonomic family of small passerine birds, commonly known as white-eyes, that belong to the order Passeriformes. The family includes around 160 species, found primarily in the Old World, with their highest diversity in the tropical regions of the Indo-Pacific area.
Members of the Zosteropidae family are characterized by their distinctive white eye ring, which gives them their common name. These small birds typically have a compact and rounded body shape, with short legs and a short, stubby bill. They have rounded wings and a strong voice, often producing a variety of melodious calls.
White-eyes are highly adaptable, occupying a wide range of habitats including forests, woodlands, gardens, and even urban areas. They primarily feed on insects, nectar, fruits, and small berries, utilizing their sharp beaks to gather their preferred food sources.
Zosteropidae birds are known for their social behavior, often foraging and nesting in small groups. They build intricate, cup-shaped nests, usually in bushes or trees, and lay multiple eggs per clutch. Many white-eye species engage in cooperative breeding, where multiple individuals from the group assist in raising the young.
Due to their adaptability and wide distribution, Zosteropidae birds play important ecological roles as pollinators and seed dispersers, contributing to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. They are also highly regarded for their beauty and melodious songs, making them popular subjects for birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts.
The word "Zosteropidae" is derived from the combination of two words: "zoster" and "opidae".
1. "Zoster" originates from the Greek word "zoster", which means "belt" or "girdle". In ancient times, it referred to a belt worn by men, usually made from animal skin or leather. It was later used in medical sciences to describe a belt-shaped rash caused by the herpes zoster virus.
2. "Opidae" is the plural form of "ops" in Latin, which means "eye". It is also used in modern biological taxonomy to designate a family of birds.
Therefore, the term "Zosteropidae" is a combination of "zoster" (meaning belt or girdle) and "opidae" (meaning eye), specifically used to designate a family of birds known as white-eyes or Zosteropids.