The grey-hooded heleia, also known as the grey-hooded white-eye and grey-hooded ibon, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Seram Island. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Maluku Islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests on Seram, favoring mature evergreen forest with dense mossy growth. It forages from the mid-story to the canopy, and also uses forest edges and secondary montane growth where suitable structure remains. Mixed-species flocking is common, especially along ridgelines and in fruiting trees. It is generally absent from lowland forest and heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small white-eye is confined to the montane forests of Seram Island in Indonesia. It often travels in active mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage alongside other canopy birds. The neat white eye-ring and contrasting grey hood make it distinctive among Seram’s songbirds. As a frequent frugivore, it likely aids in seed dispersal for native plants.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, chattering groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other canopy insectivores. Pairs likely maintain small territories during breeding, constructing a neat cup nest suspended from fine branches. Outside breeding, they roam widely following food resources such as insects and fruit.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and chips delivered rapidly, interspersed with sweet, sibilant notes. Contact calls are sharp and persistent when foraging in flocks.
Plumage
Compact white-eye with a smooth grey hood and face, olive-green upperparts, and paler grey to whitish underparts with yellowish wash on the throat and vent. Feathers appear neat and closely set, giving a sleek look typical of white-eyes.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods by gleaning leaves and twigs, occasionally sallying short distances to catch flushed prey. Also consumes soft fruits and berries and may sip nectar from flowers when available. Seasonal shifts in fruiting influence its movements within the forest.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid-story to canopy of montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and fruiting trees. Often forages with other small passerines in mixed flocks to exploit patchy resources.
