The pygmy heleia, also known as the pygmy ibon and pygmy white-eye, is a species of bird in the white-eye family Zosteropidae.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Borneo, it is found in northern and central parts across Malaysian Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. It uses lowland and hill evergreen forest, forest edges, secondary growth, and scrubby clearings. The species readily forages along forest margins, riverine vegetation, and in semi-open habitats with scattered trees. It often joins mixed flocks in the mid-story and canopy, moving rapidly through foliage. Its tolerance of lightly disturbed habitats helps it persist outside pristine forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the pygmy ibon or pygmy white-eye, this is one of the smallest members of the white-eye family (Zosteropidae). It commonly travels in busy mixed-species flocks, where its tiny size and fast movements make it easy to overlook. Despite the family name, its eye-ring is faint and often incomplete.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, chattering parties that often join mixed-species foraging flocks with other white-eyes and small insectivores. Pairs likely form during the breeding period, constructing a small cup nest suspended in foliage. Both parents typically participate in care of the young. Outside breeding, it remains highly gregarious.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Quiet, high-pitched twitters and thin tsee notes delivered in rapid sequences. Calls are contact-oriented, keeping flocks together as they move through foliage. The song is soft and can be easily masked by forest background noise.
Plumage
Tiny, compact white-eye with olive-green upperparts and paler yellowish-olive underparts; throat often slightly paler. The eye-ring is narrow and may appear broken or faint. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging; overall plumage is plain and clean with minimal streaking.
Diet
Takes small arthropods such as aphids, caterpillars, and tiny beetles by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small fruits and berries, and may sip nectar from flowers when available. Feeding is fast and methodical, often in concert with mixed flocks, which helps flush prey. Its fine bill is adapted to picking minute items from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story to canopy of forest edges, secondary woodland, and scrub with scattered trees. Frequently moves along vine tangles and outer foliage where insects and small fruits are abundant. Will venture into lightly disturbed habitats and along roadsides with dense vegetation.
